Electronic vaporiser system

ABSTRACT

An electronic cigarette vaporizer that includes a heating element and further includes or co-operates with an electronics module that (i) detects characteristics of the delivery of power, current or voltage to the heating element and (ii) determines if those characteristics are associated with degradation of the heating element. A characteristic that is associated with degradation of the heating element is an increase or other change in the heating element resistance. The heating element resistance can be established by the electronics module sending a test current through the heating element that is sufficient to enable a measurement of resistance to be made.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.14/842,067, filed Sep. 1, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/633,887, filed Feb. 27, 2015, which is based onand claims priority to UK Application No. 1403566.1, filed Feb. 28,2014; UK Application No. 1408173.1, filed May 8, 2014; UK ApplicationNo. 1413018.1, filed Jul. 23, 2014; UK Application No. 1413019.9, filedJul. 23, 2014; UK Application No. 1413021.5, filed Jul. 23, 2014; UKApplication No. 1413025.6, filed Jul. 23, 2014; UK Application No.1413027.2, filed Jul. 23, 2014; UK Application No. 1413028.0, filed Jul.23, 2014; UK Application No. 1413030.6, filed Jul. 23, 2014; UKApplication No. 1413032.0, filed Jul. 23, 2014; UK Application No.1413034.8, filed Jul. 23, 2014; UK Application No. 1413036.3, filed Jul.23, 2014; UK Application No. 1413037.1, filed Jul. 23, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/045,651, filed Sep. 4, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/045,657, filed Sep. 4, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/045,666, filed Sep. 4, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/045,669, filed Sep. 4, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/045,674, filed Sep. 4, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/045,680, filed Sep. 4, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/045,688, filed Sep. 4, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/045,690, filed Sep. 4, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/045,692, filed Sep. 4, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/045,696, filed Sep. 4, 2014; and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/045,701, filed Sep. 4, 2014. Thisapplication is also based on, and claims priority to U.S. ApplicationNo. 62/349,754, filed Jun. 14, 2016, GB Application No. 1521110.5, filedNov. 30, 2015; GB Application No. 1603579.2, filed Mar. 1, 2016; and GBApplication No. 1610531.4, filed Jun. 16, 2016, the entire contents ofeach of which being fully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to an electronic vaporiser system.One example of an electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette, alsoknown as a vapestick, inhalator, modding kit, personal vaporiser (PV),advanced personal vaporiser (APVs) or electronic nicotine deliverysystem (ENDS). In this specification, we will typically use ‘PV’ or‘vaporiser’ as the generic term for an electronic vaporiser, namely theunit that the user actually places to their lips and inhales from. Anelectronic vaporiser system includes this unit. An electronic vaporisercan deliver nicotine as well as other substances, and can be a consumerelectronics device, or a medicinally approved nicotine drug deliverysystem.

A PV, in the e-cigarette context, vapourises ‘e-liquid’ or a vapingsubstance to produce a non-pressurised vapour or mist for inhalation forpleasure or stress-relief, replicating or replacing the experience ofsmoking a cigarette. An ‘e-liquid’ or vaping substance is a liquid (orgel or other state) from which vapour or mist for inhalation can begenerated and whose primary purpose is to deliver nicotine or othercompounds, such as medicines. PVs are therefore mass-market consumerproducts that can be equivalent to cigarettes, and are then typicallyused by smokers as part of a cigarette reduction or cessation program.The main ingredients of e-liquids for vaping are usually a mix ofpropylene glycol and glycerine. E-liquids can include variousflavourings and also come with varying strengths of nicotine; users on anicotine reduction or cessation program can hence choose decreasingconcentrations of nicotine, including at the limit zero concentrationnicotine e-liquid. The term ‘e-liquid’ will be used in thisspecification as the generic term for any kind of vaping substance.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Conventional designs of re-fillable e-cigarette are somewhat complexbecause re-filling with e-liquid generally requires the user to unscrewthe e-cigarette and to then manually drip onto an atomizing coil a smallquantity of e-liquid. The overall user interaction with conventionalre-fillable e-cigarettes (covering all aspects of how the user controls,re-fills, re-charges and generally interacts with the device) cantherefore be complex and this is reflected in their design, which isoften rather technical, with various control buttons. The overall userinteraction is rarely intuitively clear. This is very different from thestraightforward and simple (and, to smokers, deeply attractive) ritualof opening a pack of conventional cigarettes and lighting up. Thecomplex user interaction that characterizes conventional refillablee-cigarettes has none of the simplicity or attractive ritual of openinga packet of cigarettes and lighting up.

Designing an e-cigarette system that replicates the simplicity of aconventional cigarette is a considerable challenge but is we believe keyto the mass-market adoption of e-cigarettes by smokers, and is hence keyto delivering on their considerable public health potential.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An electronic cigarette vaporiser that includes a heating element (43)and further includes or co-operates with an electronics module (58) that(i) detects characteristics of the delivery of power, current or voltageto the heating element and (ii) determines if those characteristics areassociated with degradation of the heating element. A characteristicthat is associated with degradation of the heating element is anincrease or other change in the heating element resistance. The heatingelement resistance can be established by the electronics module sendinga test current through the heating element that is sufficient to enablea measurement of resistance to be made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic cigarette vaporiser casewith a vaporiser partially extending from the case;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic cigarette vaporiser casewith a vaporiser fully withdrawn from the case

FIGS. 3A and 3B and 4A and 4B are cross-sectional schematic views of anelectronic cigarette vaporiser system.

FIG. 5 schematically represents the connected nature of the electroniccigarette vaporiser system.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are exploded perspective views of the electronic cigarettevaporiser system.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are right, rear and left side views, respectively,of the major components in the case for the electronic cigarettevaporiser system.

FIGS. 9A-9E are top, right-side cross-section, right, rear, and leftviews, respectively, of the major components in the case.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the major components in thecartridge for the electronic cigarette vaporiser system.

FIGS. 11A-11C are top, side cross-section, and front views, respectivelyof the major components in the cartridge for the electronic cigarettevaporiser system.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the major components in onedesign of atomising unit.

FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of the major components in the atomisingunit.

FIG. 14 shows the user-replaceable tip and the atomising unit.

FIG. 15 shows the tip and an air pressure equalization valve in thevaporiser.

FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the air pressure equalization valve.

FIG. 17 is a cross-section frontal view of the air pressure equalizationvalve in the vaporiser.

FIG. 18 is a cross-section side view of the air pressure equalizationvalve and atomising unit in the vaporiser.

FIG. 19A is a cross-section side view of the air pressure equalizationvalve and atomising unit in the vaporiser, showing the air flow pattern;FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the vaporiser and the air flowpattern; FIG. 19C is a perspective view of the vaporiser.

FIGS. 20A-C are top, side cross-section and bottom views, respectivelyof a ceramic cell atomizing unit with silicone end-pieces.

FIGS. 21-22 show a ceramic cell atomizing unit with silicon end-pieces.

FIGS. 23A-C are side, side cross-section, and top views, respectively,of a ceramic cell atomizing unit with silicon end-pieces.

FIGS. 24A-B are top and side cross-section views, respectively, of aceramic cell atomizing unit with silicon end-pieces.

FIG. 25 is an exploded view of all the mouthpiece components shown incross-section in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the major elements of the vaporiser,each separated.

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of some of the major elements of the mainbody in the vaporizer, (and hence excluding the atomizing unit andmouthpiece, and the e-liquid filling mechanism).

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the major elements of the e-liquidfilling end of the vaporiser.

FIGS. 29A-B are cross-sectional views of the vaporiser in the caseduring filling with e-liquid

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the vaporizer showing the fillingend.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the vaporizer with a cotton wick,seen from one angle.

FIGS. 32A and 32B is a cross-sectional view of the cotton-wickvaporiser, seen from two different angles.

FIG. 33A-33B are cross-sectional views of a vaporiser which uses aceramic cell atomizing unit.

FIGS. 34A and 34B are views of the fully assembled vaporizer.

FIGS. 35 and 36 are flow charts showing the operation of the system.

Key to integers used in the Figures Integer Feature 1 The PV orvaporiser 2 Hinged PV holder 3 E-liquid cartridge or parent reservoir 4Filling stem in the case 5 Main battery in the case 6 Piezo-electricmicro pump in the case 7 Needle in the case that punctures the septum inthe cartridge 8 Infra-red sensor placed around the e-liquid inlet tubefeeding the piezo-pump 9 Left blank 10 Chassis assembly 11 PCB assemblyboard 12 e-liquid inlet tube feeding the piezo-pump 13 Data contact toread/write to security/authenticator chip 32 on the cartridge 14 Caseassembly 15 Trigger latch assembly 16 Power and data contacts in thecase and that engage with electrical contacts in the PV 17 Display panelon top of the case 18 Left blank 19 Left blank 20 Cartridge body 21Cartridge inlet aperture, used for filling 22 Bung to seal the cartridgeinlet aperture, 23 e-liquid outlet aperture 24 Septum that seals thee-liquid aperture but can be punctured by needle 7 in the case 25Sealing ring for the septum 24 26 Adhesive, tamper evident strip for thecartridge 27 E-liquid scavenger tube in the cartridge 28 Cartridge lidwith PTFE porous membrane 31 welded to it 29 Air hole in the cartridgelid 30 Plenum chamber 31 PTFE air-porous but e-liquid impermeablemembrane - allows air to vent but retains e- liquid 32 Security chip orauthenticator 33 Left blank 34 Left blank 35 Cotton ‘Z’ shaped wick 36Wire heating element 37 Coil assembly 38 Metal tube that encloses thecoil assembly 39 Body that closes off one end of the metal tube 38 40End-cap that closes off the other end of the metal tube 38 41 ‘O’ ringthat seals the end-cap 40 42 Stainless steel feed pipe that transferse-liquid during pumping to the reservoir 44 around the metal tube 38 43Atomizing chamber inside the coil assembly 37 44 Reservoir around themetal tube 38 45 Air inlet 46 Vapour outlet aperture 47 Front seal tip48 Silicone rubber stopper 49 Back seal 50 Fully assembled wick and coilassembly 51 Tip tube 52 Coil holder and mouthpiece, removable from maintube of the PV and assembled into tube/ PV tip 53 53 Tube - PV tip intowhich the coil holder assembles into 54 E-liquid filling assembly in thePV, including a check valve 55 Chassis within PV tube 53 56 PV battery57 e-liquid inlet aperture (2 mm diameter) in tube 38 58 PCB in the PV59 Air-flow sensor in the PV 60 Power wire in the PV 61 Electricallyinsulating spacer 62 Power plate or conductor providing power to theatomizing unit 63 Electrically insulating spacer 64-69 Left blank 70Check valve body for e-liquid filling 71 Power ring, engaging with powersource in the case 72 Insulating ring 73 Second power ring 74 Insulatingring 75 Third power ring 76 Electrical contact pin 77 Electrical contactpin 78 Electrical contact pin 79 Spring guide for the spring 80 thatbiases the stop valve 80 Spring that biases the stop valve 81 Stainlesssteel ball that acts as the stop valve 82 Seat for the stainless steelball stop valve 81 83 Filing stem or spigot in the case that pushes upagainst the stainless steel ball 81 in the PV 84 Cylindrical ceramiccell 85 Silicone cap 86 Silcone cap 87 Power bush 88 Heating wire woundinside the cylindrical ceramic cell 89 Front tip 90 Rounded rectangleair-permeable membrane in the mouthpiece 52 91 Slug that securesair-permeable membrane 90 92 Circular air-permeable membrane in themouthpiece 52 93 Slug that secures air-permeable membrane 92 95 Beadagainst which each slug sits 96 Air vent channel leading from roundedrectangle air-permeable membrane 90 97 Air vent channel leading fromcircular air- permeable membrane 92 98 e-liquid path into the atomizingunit 99 Air path from each air-permeable membrane 100 The case

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

We will now describe an implementation of the invention in the following4 sections:

Section A: An introduction to the entire system from the user experienceperspective

Section B: Overview of some key components in the system

Section C: A concise list of the key features

Section D: A more detailed discussion of these key features

Note that the majority of these features are not the invention; theclaims define the invention.

Section A: An Introduction to the Entire System from the User ExperiencePerspective

We will now walk through a high level view of the entire electronicvaporiser system that implements this invention from the user experienceperspective. Reference may be made to WO 2015/128665, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference.

FIGS. 1 and 2 shows a perspective view of an electronic vaporisere-cigarette system that implements the invention. The system includes acase that (i) stores an electronic vaporiser PV, and (ii) also re-fillsthe PV with e-liquid from a small, 10 mL, e-liquid closed-cartridge thatthe user has slotted into the case, and (iii) also re-charges thebattery in the PV. Hence, when the PV is withdrawn from the case, asshown in FIG. 2, the electronic vaporiser PV is ready for use, and(depending on how long it has been stored in the case for) it will alsohave a full reservoir of e-liquid and a fully charged battery).Re-filling the PV with e-liquid and re-charging the battery in the PVoccurs automatically whenever the PV is inserted back into the case.

The PV includes a series of 6 LEDs along one face. All the LED lightsilluminate at the start of a vaping ‘session’ and go out (with the lightfurthest from the vaper going out first) indicating the amount left inthe vaporiser. The session lasts the typical amount of a cigarette (8 to10 puffs). When all the lights go out, you have to return the vaporiserto the case to have another vaping session. This vaping session istypically of equal duration to a standard cigarette and replicates thewell understood behaviours, gestures and cues of smokers. Conventionalre-fillable e-cigarettes often have a tank that stores the equivalent of5 or 10 cigarettes and because they offer no clear beginning and end toa vaping session in a way that corresponds to smoking a normalcigarette, it is easy to consume excess nicotine. It is easier toregulate nicotine consumption (and hence reduce it) using our design ofvaporizer because of the way the LEDs progressively extinguish in a waythat corresponds to smoking a single cigarette.

The brightness of the LEDs is adjusted according to ambient lightintensity (e.g. the LEDs dim automatically in low light), and reduces ifin ‘discrete’ mode (‘Discrete’ mode enables a user to vapediscretely—e.g. with a reduced volume of vapour and with dimmed orpossibly no LED lights illuminated).

Unlike a conventional refillable e-cigarette, the PV includes nophysical buttons to push in order to operate the PV: it is thereforemuch closer to a conventional cigarette than other e-cigarettes, whichgenerally include multiple control buttons—something that manyconventional smokers find off-putting. Since a key objective for thisproduct is to benefit public health by appealling to smokers so thatthey can reduce or quit smoking, an over-riding design principle is tomake the product as simple as possible, even though it is a refillabledevice, with the device replicating the form factor, rituals,behaviours, cues and gestures of conventional smoking. This makes theproduct appealing to established smokers. For example, the PV can beeasily held between two fingers, just like a conventionalcigarette—something that is impossible with a conventional refillablee-cigarette that typically includes a large and bulky battery pack.

With the PV stored in its case, full re-filling with e-liquid takestypically 30 seconds to 90 seconds. Generally, the PV's battery will notbe fully discharged during a vaping session; the PV is meant to bestored in the case and hence will be regularly topped up. A full chargeof the PV's battery might take 1 hour or more, but a top up from say 90%capacity to a full 100% might take a few minutes. Consequently, in atypical usage scenario, a vaper might use the product for vaping theequivalent of a single cigarette, and then replace the PV into the casefor an hour or more. Whenever the user retrieves the PV from the case,it is then fully charged with power and with e-liquid, replicated takinga fresh cigarette out its pack.

The end or tip of the PV, which includes the heating element, is auser-replaceable component; the user can pull the tip off and replace itwith a new one. This is useful if the sort of heating element (e.g. coiland wick) in the tip lasts 2 or 3 months or less, or if the tip has beendamaged.

The 10 mL cartridge in the case stores e-liquid equivalent toapproximately 50-100 cigarettes; it is readily replaced if the userneeds to replace the cartridge because he has run out of e-liquid or ifthe user wishes to try a different flavor or strength of e-liquid.

The cartridge is ‘closed’, meaning that it is sealed after authorizedfilling with e-liquid and cannot then be re-filled by the end-user: thisensures compliance with safety regulations (such as the European TobaccoProducts Regulation 2014/40/EU) and ensures that only the highestquality e-liquid from an authorized source is present in the cartridge.

Also, because filling of the PV with e-liquid takes place when the PV isinside the case, there is minimal risk of leakage, in contrast with‘open tank’ systems, which all need to be manually re-filled. Further,filling is entirely automatic, so the user does not have to disassemblethe PV for filing; disassembly is normally required for re-fillableelectronic vaporisers. Finally, because the main battery (a 1400 mAhbattery) and the main e-liquid reservoir (10 mL) is in the portablecarrying case, that means that the PV itself needs only a relativelysmall battery (120 mAh) and relatively small e-liquid reservoir (approx.0.4 mL total volume; we fill approximately 0.2 mL of this volume withe-liquid): this in turn means that the PV itself can be much smallerthan conventional re-fillable electronic vaporisers, and in fact besimilar in size and shape to a conventional cigarette, and yet have theperformance of a device with a much larger battery and e-liquidreservoir. This makes the electronic vaporiser system much moreappealing to smokers who wish to stop smoking and start vaping (e.g. forhealth reasons, because vaping does not make you smell or turn yourfingers and teeth yellow) but are put off by conventional designs ofre-fillable electronic vaporiser which are often bulky and unattractive.As noted above, a slim, cigarette sized and shaped vaporizer can be heldin the same was as a cigarette and the user can hence replicate thefamiliar gestures and behaviours associated with conventional smoking.

By having a PV that is cigarette sized (approximately 9.7 cm in length,and 1 cm in width) and shaped (approximately cylindrical, or tubularwith rounded corners) and is withdrawn from a case that is similar insize to a cigarette packet, this system mimics the behavioural orritualistic aspects smoking that are very appealing to smokers—nicotinereduction therapies that ignore these aspects are much less attractiveto smokers and hence much less likely to lead to compliance with asmoking cessation program. This system hence replicates the rituals ofhandling an object similar in size to a packet of twenty cigarettes, ofopening that packet and withdrawing a cigarette; and the tactilefamiliarity of holding a cigarette sized object and inhaling from it.This combination is we believe key to the large-scale consumer adoptionof e-cigarettes. One objective for this product is to provide a vapingsystem that is a significantly more effective smoking cessation toolthan conventional e-cigarettes.

To re-cap, the electronic vaporiser system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 givesa PV with the compactness and form factor of a conventional cigarette,but with the vaping performance of a much larger and bulkier re-fillablePV, such as an ‘open tank’ system, because it (i) still accesses a largeand powerful battery, but this battery is now displaced to the case andis not part of the vaporiser and (2) still accesses a large, 10 mLe-liquid tank, but this is now inside the case and is not part of thevaporiser.

Full dimensions are as follows:

-   -   Vaporiser: (mm. width×depth×height) 10×10×97 mm    -   Vaporiser replaceable tip: 10×10×24 mm    -   Case: 15.5×63×117.5 mm    -   Capsule: 12.5×26.9×55 mm.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-section of the system, showing the keycomponents. The case 100 includes a hinged PV holder 2, a battery 5,similar to a mobile phone battery, and a removable cartridge 3 thatstores e-liquid. E-liquid is delivered from the cartridge 3 using apiezo-electric micro-pump 6 inside the case 100; e-liquid passes intothe PV through a filling stem 4. The piezo-pump 6 could be mounted onthe main electronics board in the case 100, or the base of the hinged PVholder 2, or be integrated into the cartridge 3, or even inside the PVitself.

As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic vaporiser PV 1 slides in and out froma hinged holder 2 in the re-fill and re-charge case 100; when the PV 1is stored into the case 100, the hinged holder 2 is closed, fullyprotecting the PV and ensuring that there is no real possibility ofleakage of e-liquid from the PV into, e.g. a pocket or bag, unlikeconventional electronic vaporiser systems.

When the PV 1 is fully inserted into the holder 2 then the filing stem 4in case 100 protrudes into an aperture in the PV; when the case is fullyclosed and the user touches a control button, panel or switch in thecase, or a fully automated mechanism is triggered, then thepiezo-electric micro-pump 6 in the case 100 activates and pumps ametered amount of e-liquid (typically 0.2 mL) into the PV, typically tofill up a small 0.2 mL-0.6 mL e-liquid reservoir in the PV itself. 0.2mL is the approximate quantity corresponding to a single cigarette,although this quantity is highly variable and depends on many differentfactors. In any event, a 0.4 mL reservoir should generally be equivalentto several cigarettes. It is also possible to design the PV with muchlarger reservoirs, e.g. 2 mL or higher, but there are user experienceadvantages to the PV being broadly equivalent to a small number ofcigarettes, possibly just a single cigarette.

The pump 6 stops pumping when the required amount of e-liquid has beentransferred. The PV can then be kept stored in the case, and a smallbattery in the PV is then re-charged by the main battery in the casewhilst the PV is being stored. When the holder 2 is hinged open, with atrigger action (i.e. with the user pulling in the base of the hingedholder 2), then the PV 1 is gently and automatically lifted up a few mmfrom the holder using an ejection mechanism (e.g. magnetic or springbased) so the user can easily extract it. The PV 1 is then like acompletely fresh electronic vaporiser at this time—fully re-filled withe-liquid and its battery fully topped up with charge. Because therelatively small capacity battery in the PV is regularly topped up bythe main battery in the case, the PV vaping performance is very good andequivalent to that of a much bulkier PV with a large integrated battery;the latter is the sort of product that many smokers are reluctant to trybecause they look peculiar and unflattering to many smokers. Anon-contact switch like a Reed switch in the case can detect removal ofthe PV and also re-insertion of the PV.

FIG. 5 shows schematically that the system is digitally connected; thecase sends data to an app running on the user's smartphone, smartwatch,tablet or other computing device over short range wireless, such asBluetooth. For example, when the case detects that the level of e-liquidin the cartridge is running low, then it sends a message to the app onthe user's smartphone, alerting the user to that. The app gives the userthe option of ordering replacement cartridges from an e-fulfillmentplatform. The case could also include a 3G, LTE or other form ofwireless data module for direct communication with a remote server. Keyfeatures of the app are as follows:

-   -   Connects to the case via a Bluetooth connection on your        Smartphone    -   From the app you can:        -   Track your usage        -   Purchase additional capsules direct to home        -   Find the nearest shop to you        -   Set goals—Financial, Health or use related        -   Adjust basic settings on the vaporiser and case        -   Get recommendations based on usage and taste        -   See new flavours as they launch        -   Receive special promotions        -   Recommend a friend        -   Set the system to auto-refill so that you never run out of            capsules again and you don't have to keep on monitoring your            level of liquid.

The case includes a USB C port for power and data transfer; the case canonly be used with authorized chargers that can complete a satisfactoryUSB C handshake; this eliminates the danger from using cheap,unauthorized chargers.

The case includes an electronics module that controls the operation ofthe piezo pump and also logs usage statistics to improve customerservice. The case gathers usage statistics and other data and sends itover the Internet, via the Bluetooth connected smartphone running adedicated application, or directly, to the manufacturer's database.

The following data is logged and sent to the factory or manufacturer'sdatabase:

-   -   Power-up and power down events for both the case and also the PV        (to enable the frequency and nature of handling to be measured).    -   Time of all use events (for example, users who always use the        device first thing in the morning are likely to be highly        addicted to smoking, and so progress with a nicotine reduction        program is very useful to track)    -   System uptime (helps to improve battery usage and estimating        liquid usage).    -   Vape count (i.e. the number and frequency of inhalations).    -   Vape strength (e.g. the strength of the inhalation).    -   Battery health.    -   Charging/discharged/charged events.    -   Vaping coil temperature.    -   Vape coil malfunction events.    -   Other malfunction events.    -   External temperature (for battery health and for correction of        coil heating to ensure that the coil is at the optimal heating        temperature, irrespective of ambient temperature).    -   E-liquid flavor, strength, ingredients and batch number    -   Any other information logged by the app: for example, the app        could ask the user to rank their cigarette craving at various        times during the day, both before and after using the electronic        vaporiser on say a 1-10 scale; additionally, the app could ask        the user if they are also still smoking cigarettes and how many,        what times etc, whether any side-effects are experienced,        whether the user feels fitter etc. This could provide valuable        data indicating efficacy of the product, especially as part of a        smoking reduction program or other clinical trials data that is        useful for scientists and regulators.    -   All data is encrypted and standard data integrity techniques are        used to guarantee that the data cannot be tampered with and that        privacy is maintained.

Because the case is a connected device, it can be remotely locked. Forexample, if an owner loses the case, or is not in their direct control,or wants to ensure that it cannot be used by anyone else (e.g. children)then it can lock the case from the connected smartphone application.

Each capsule includes an authentication chip that is programmed withdata such as the data of filling, batch number of e-liquid, source ofe-liquid, tax or duty paid etc. Hence, if a specific batch of e-liquidis found to have contamination, then all cases in the world can be senta message identifying those contaminated batches. The case, which checksthe e-liquid batch number on each cartridge prior to filling from thecartridge, will then not fill from any cartridge with batch numbersmatching the list of contaminated batches. Likewise, stolen orcounterfeit cartridges, or cartridges for which duty has not beenproperly paid, can be identified by the manufacturer and a message sentto all cases to prevent their use. Finally, since use of e-cigaretteelectronic vaporisers may be unlawful in some places and countries, thenthe smartphone application, using the location capabilities of its hostsmartphone, can determine if the device is in a location whereelectronic vaporiser use is permitted or not and can disable the caseand/or PV if appropriate. This can operate at the country level, orright down to specific buildings, airplanes etc.

Section B: Overview of Some Key Components in the System

Section A looked at the vaping system from the user experienceperspective. In this Section B, we will give an overview of three of themain components in the system, as follows:

-   -   Section B1: Overview of the fluid transfer system    -   Section B2: Overview of the e-liquid cartridge    -   Section B3: Overview of the PV's atomising coil

Section B1: Overview of the Fluid Transfer System

FIG. 6 is an isometric exploded view of the system. The case 100includes a chassis assembly 10 on which all the major components aremounted. Chassis assembly 10 is slid into case assembly 14.

On the chassis assembly are mounted the electronics module on PCBassembly board 11, the piezo micro-pump 6, e-liquid inlet tube 12 thatfeeds the micro-pump 6 and the hinged PV holder 2 into which the userslides the PV 1. The replaceable 10 mL cartridge 3 slides into the sideof the case 100, engaging against wire spring 13. As will be describedlater in more detail, the cartridge 3 includes a rubber septum; this ispunctured by needle 7 when the cartridge 3 is fully inserted into thecase; needle 7 leads via the thin tube 12 to piezo micro-pump 6.

Feed or inlet tube 12 includes a sensor 8 that can detect whether thefeed into the piezo micro-pump 6 is liquid or air; this is very usefulto know because the piezo-pump operates in different modes depending onthe viscosity of the material being pumped. For example, if air isentering the piezo pump, then the piezo pump should operate at a highfrequency, such as between 150-400 Hz (and preferably 300 Hz). But ifthe pump is pumping room temperature e-liquid, then the piezo pumpshould operate at a much lower frequency, such as 7-20 Hz (andpreferably 15 Hz). If the e-liquid is even more viscous (for example,the ambient temperature is very cold), then the piezo pump may need tooperate even more slowly. So being able to automatically alter the cycletime or frequency of the piezo-pump, based on an automatic assessment ofthe substance being pumped, is very useful. One way we can achieve thisis for the sensor on the input line that feeds the piezo-pump to includea pair of electrical contacts on either side of the tube: when there ise-liquid in the portion of the tube around which the sensors are placed,then there is a large resistance (but one that is measurable by anelectronics module in the case); when there is air in that portion, thenthe resistance is infinite or too high to measure. When e-liquid isdetected, then that information can be combined with an ambienttemperature measurement from a solid-state thermometer in the case tocontrol the piezo-pump so that it operates at its optimal cycle time orfrequency. Other sensing methods are possible: for example, a capacitivesensor or an infra-red light sensor (passing light through the inlettube and detecting high or low levels of light absorption) could readilydetect whether there was air or liquid in the piezo-pump inlet tube.

Where the piezo pump 6 has twin-piezo actuators, then one problem thatcan arise is that each actuator, over time, starts to operate slightlydifferently. Proper operation of the pump requires both actuators tooperate identically, delivering exactly the same quantity of liquid foreach pumping stroke. Pumping performance can drop significantly overtime because of this mis-match in operation and output. In our system, amicrocontroller can independently adjust the phase or timing of eachvoltage pulse that triggers a piezo-actuator—so for example, oneactuator can be given a slightly longer or more powerful voltage pulsethan the other if that would remedy the imbalance; the microcontrollercan continuously or regularly monitor the efficiency of the entire pump(for example using a small MEMS based flow sensor) and adjust the phaserelationship until the optimum pumping performance is achieved. Forexample, if one actuator is delivering less e-liquid than the other,then the power delivered to the first actuator can be increased, e.g.the start of the voltage pulse can be brought forward or the peakvoltage delivered to the first actuator can be increased, all relativeto the second actuator. The microcontroller can monitor the pumpingperformance of the entire unit and adjust the various parameters untiloptimal pumping is achieved.

The output tube from the piezo micro-pump 6 leads to a filling stem ortube (not shown in FIG. 6, but integer 4 in FIG. 9) at the bottom of thehinged holder. This filling stem engages with a filling aperture in thebottom end (or side) of the PV, as will be described later.

Careful selection of materials is needed for nicotine compatibility—forexample, nicotine can react with some plastics (such as polycarbonates),can leach compounds out of other plastics and can evaporate throughothers. Tubing 12 can be made of an inert nicotine-compatible materialsuch as Tygon™ LMT55; the piezo-pump can be the MP6 micro-pump fromBartels Mikrotechnik GmbH with actuators made of polyimide.

FIG. 7 is an isometric exploded view of the chassis assembly componentsfrom FIG. 6. Specifically, FIG. 7 shows the hinged PV holder 2,micro-pump 6 mounted on PCB assembly board 11, chassis 10. FIG. 7 alsoshows the trigger latch assembly 15; this is pushed by the user to ejectcartridge 3 using the force of wire spring 13. Electrical contacts aremade to ring contacts on the PV via a contacts assembly 16; power anddata is transferred via contacts assembly 16.

FIG. 8 are orthographic views, front and back, of the fully assembledsystem, with the cartridge slotted into position, and the hinged holderin the open position.

FIG. 9 shows five cross section views (FIGS. 9A to 9E) of the chassisassembly. FIG. 9A shows a top view, including the empty PV holder 2 anda small display panel 17 that shows system information using simplegraphics (such as battery charge state; e-liquid fill state). A sectionXX line is drawn and FIG. 9B is the side view cross section along the XXline. Main battery 5, hinged PV holder 2 and filling stem 4 are shown.At the base of the filling stem 4 is a simple spring-biased stainlesssteel ball 16 which acts as a stop valve; when piezo-pump 6 pumpse-liquid into the PV, then stainless steel ball 16 rises off its seatand permits e-liquid to pass up the filling stem 4. As soon aspiezo-pump 6 stops pumping, stainless steel ball 16 sits back down andseals the filling stem, preventing any downstream drops of e-liquid fromdripping out. A read/write data contact 13 contacts the data leads forthe security or authenticator chip fixed to the cartridge. FIG. 9C showsthe PCB assembly board 11 that lies adjacent to the case battery 5,mounted on chassis assembly 10. Piezo-pump 6 is mounted on the battery 5and is fed e-liquid from e-liquid inlet tube 12. An infra-red sensor 8is placed around the e-liquid inlet tube 12 and detects whether theinlet tube has air in it at that point, or e-liquid (since the lightabsorption of e-liquid is far greater that air). The inlet end of thee-liquid inlet tube 12 is connected to a needle 7; in this needlepunctures the septum in the cartridge and enables e-liquid to be suckedout from the cartridge by the piezo-pump 6. FIG. 9D is a rear view,showing needle 7. FIG. 9E is a side view, showing the battery 5.

Key features of the case are the following:

-   -   Case Feature 1: The case includes a piezo-electric pump. The        case includes a piezo-electric pump to transfer small but        accurate quantities of e-liquid in from the cartridge or other        parent reservoir to a child reservoir in the PV.    -   Case Feature 2: The case or PV has a ‘discrete’ mode. In        ‘discrete’ mode, the PV reduces the amount of vapour produced,        or its density (e.g. by reducing the coil temperature by 10%)        but maintains that temperature within a range where the vaping        experience is still good, but vapour quantity or density is        reduced. This is useful for a restaurant or office.    -   Case Feature 3: The case or PV includes a ‘power mode’ with coil        temperature monitoring—e.g. to increase the amount of vapour        produced, the user can activate a button or sensor on the PV,        but crucially coil temperature is measured or inferred or        limited to ensure that it remains at a safe operating        temperature.    -   Case Feature 4: The case has a PV ejection mechanism: An        automatic lifting mechanism (e.g. magnetic or spring-based) that        gently lifts the PV up a few mm from the case to enable a user        to easily grasp it when the case is opened.    -   Case Feature 5: A non-contact sensor in the case detects PV        release from the case: A non-contact sensor (e.g. a magnetic        sensor, such as a reed switch, Hall effect sensor) detects when        the PV enters and leaves the charge/re-fill case.    -   Case Feature 6: A sensor in the feed-line to the fluid transfer        mechanism (e.g. piezo pump) detects characteristics of the flow        through the feed-line and automatically alters the operation of        the fluid transfer mechanism depending on the detected or        inferred nature of the substance (e.g. air or e-liquid; the        viscosity of that e-liquid) passing through the feed-line.    -   Case Feature 7: Any imbalance in the operation of a        piezo-actuator that forms a pair of piezo-actuators is detected        and the phase or voltage profile delivered to that actuator is        altered so that the imbalance is addressed.

Section D gives further details of each of these features.

Section B2: Overview of the e-Liquid Cartridge

FIG. 10 is an isometric exploded view of the components in thecartridge. The cartridge includes a body 20 made of a clear plasticmaterial that is compatible with nicotine storage (such as HDPE—highdensity polyethylene; PETG—polyethylene terephthalate; or COC—cyclicolefin copolymers) with two apertures in its top face; the e-liquidinlet aperture 21 to the left side of the body is used when filling thecartridge on an automated or semi-automated filling line: 10 mL ofe-liquid is passed into the cartridge through a filling head and theninert argon gas purges all oxygen from inside the cartridge to preventoxidation of the nicotine. A bung 22, or other form of seal, then sealsor closes off that aperture 21. A rubber septum 24 sits in aperture 23and is sealed in place with ring 25 and seals aperture 23, which is thee-liquid outlet aperture. The septum 24 is a PTFE(polytetrafluoroethylene)/silicone/PTFE disc.

So the cartridge includes two apertures, (a) an outlet aperture 23 beingsealed by a septum 24 designed to be penetrated or punctured by a needleor stem in the case that withdraws e-liquid from the cartridge and (b)an inlet aperture 21 being used to fill the cartridge on a filing lineand then being covered with a bung or plug 22. Aperture 21 enables fastand efficient filling on an automated filling line, reliable sealing ofthe cartridge to minimize contamination risk and also easy integrationof the cartridge with the case, all at very low cost.

An adhesive, tamper evident strip 26 is then applied over the top of thebung 22 and the septum 24 and ring 25. The body includes a standardscavenger tube 27 fixed to the outlet 23 that leads to the rubber septum24, so that the last droplets of e-liquid in the cartridge can beextracted.

An air pressure valve is included in the cartridge. If no air pressurevalve is provided, then, as the cartridge empties, a partial vacuumforms, retarding fluid transfer out of the cartridge. The valve alsoprevents contaminants from entering the cartridge/reservoir, which hencepreserves the condition and stability of the e-liquid. It also permitsonly limited quantities of air to enter the cartridge (e-liquid candeteriorate when exposed to free flowing air for long periods).

The valve has the following structure. A lid 28 is positioned againstone face of the cartridge body. The lid 28 includes a small air hole 29to allow air to enter and leave a plenum 30 formed by the lid 28 as oneface, and ridges in the lid 28 as the sides and a Porex™ PTFE sheet 31facing the lid as the opposite face. The sheet can be any material thatis impermeable to e-liquid but bi-directionally permeable to air, henceenabling air pressure equalization within the cartridge; PTFE isespecially suitable because it is very stable in the presence ofe-liquid, and so introduces no contaminants. The plenum 30 provides fora large surface area for the air/PTFE interface. Other materials apartfrom PTFE are possible; for example, paper coated with PTFE may besuitable. The air-side of the PTFE sheet 31 may include fine strands ofpolypropylene to increase the surface area and to facilitate welding tothe clear plastic body 20.

Another feature is that each cartridge has its own unique serial numberwritten in a One-Wire flash memory chip or authenticator 32, such as theMaxim DS28E15 security chip. After a cartridge is installed into a case,a microcontroller (MCU) in the case reads its serial number and verifiesthat its hash-function is valid. If the verification is good, thecartridge will be used to refill the PV. If not, the MCU in the casewill block any liquid usage from such cartridge.

The manufacturer tracks all serial numbers so that if some cartridgesare found to be defective then all cartridges made as part of the samebatch can be identified and a signal sent to the case to prevent thembeing used and to trigger an explanatory message to be displayed on thesmartphone application. The term microcontroller used in thisspecification includes other forms of processors, microprocessors, ASICsetc.

The MCU can also write-data into the chip 32—for example the estimatedor measured amount of e-liquid left in the cartridge; this enablescartridges that have been unlawfully re-filled to be spotted by the MCU(since they can be tracked to have expelled significantly more than theknown capacity of the cartridge—e.g. 10 mL) and can then be preventedfrom being used.

At manufacture or filling or fulfillment (or a combination of these)data is burnt to the chip that defines flavor, nicotine strength, batchnumber, date of manufacture, tax paid and any other useful information.The cartridge is then packaged and ready to be shipped. FIG. 11 areside, top and front views of the cartridge. The total fluid capacity is11.6 cc.

In addition, the cartridge could include a bag-in-bottle or BiBsystem—e.g. this would allow the contents of the cartridge to be almostcompletely emptied, avoiding wastage, yet also protecting the contentsof the cartridge from oxidation and contaminants. A material like DuPontSurlyn can be used for the inner bag.

Key features of the cartridge are the following:

-   -   Cartridge Feature 1: The cartridge or other form of parent        reservoir includes an air pressure valve.    -   Cartridge Feature 2: the cartridge includes a memory chip    -   Cartridge Feature 3: the cartridge includes two e-liquid        apertures, one an inlet, the other an outlet.    -   Cartridge Feature 4: the cartridge stores the batch number of        the e-liquid it is filled with and can be remotely disabled from        using specific batch numbers

Section D describes these features in more detail.

Section B3: Overview of the PV's Atomising Coil

We will now look at the wick and heating coil assembly. FIG. 12 is anisometric exploded view of the components in one type of wick andheating coil assembly. The wick 35 can take several different forms,such as a ceramic cell like the cCell from Shenzen Smoore TechnologyLimited, or a more conventional cotton wicking coil arrangement.

FIG. 12 shows the latter; it shows a ‘z’ shaped piece of compressedcotton 35 or a porous ceramic with a body arranged longitudinally alongthe long axis of the PV electronic vaporiser in a vapourising chamber tointerrupt the air flow path through that chamber. One end of the wick 35includes an end section, angled at right angles with respect to thebody, and protruding into an e-liquid reservoir; the other end of thewick includes an end section, also angled at right angles with respectto the body, and protruding into that e-liquid reservoir. A NiChromewire heating element 36 is wound around the wick body 35; othermaterials for the heating element may also be used, such as titanium,tungsten and other materials; the key design criteria for materialchoice is to minimize the risk of any harmful products entering theuser's lungs, particularly as the heating element starts to degrade.Coil assembly 37 is mounted inside tube 38, closed off at one end bybody 39 and at the other end by end cap 40, which seals against ‘0’ ring41. Tube 38 forms the inner wall of the e-liquid reservoir; this smallreservoir, capacity approximately 0.2 mL, surrounds tube 38. The cottonwick 35 protrudes through a gap in the side of tube 38 into thisreservoir, drawing e-liquid in from the reservoir.

The FIG. 12 design is especially easy to mass-assemble since it requiresvery few steps to complete. Also, because the heating element and wickruns longitudinally through the vapourising chamber, and there is nostraight through path for air through the vapourising chamber, butinstead the incoming air has to flow around and over the heating elementand wick, the design provides a good quality vaping experience.

FIG. 13 is a cross section through the fully assembled wick and coilassembly. It shows the e-liquid stainless steel feed pipe 42 (which isconnected to the piezo micro-pump during filling and filled withe-liquid from the cartridge) that feeds the concentric reservoir,indicated generally at 44, that surrounds tube 38. E-liquid is pumpedinto the reservoir 44 and then drawn by the wick into the coil assembly.Air passes from inlet 45 and then has to divert up and around the coiland assembly 37; the chamber 43 is the atomizing chamber where heatedmicro-droplets of e-liquid are carried by the air passing over the coilout through aperture 46. But requiring the airflow to divert up andaround the coil assembly, vortices are formed which are more efficientat drawing out the micro-droplets of e-liquid.

As shown in FIG. 14, the fully assembled wick and coil assembly 50 isinserted into a coil holder 52 which serves as a mouthpiece; the coilholder 52 can then be press-fitted onto the main tube 51 of the PV thatincludes the battery, electronics and e-liquid filling aperture (whichis at the end of the PV furthest from the mouthpiece).

The combined mouthpiece/coil holder 52 can be readily removed from thetube and replaced with a new or different combined mouthpiece/coilholder; hence, as soon as there is any sign of degradation of the wickor coil, or perhaps the user simply wishes to try a different wick/coildesign (since it may deliver different vaping characteristics), then theuser can simply pull the old coil holder 52 off and insert a new one.Hence, the PV includes a front section 52 containing a wick and heatingassembly but no e-liquid cartridge; the front section is removable toenable a replacement front section to be used, for example once theoriginal wick or heating element starts to degrade. The rest of the PVcan be re-used with a fresh front section 52.

Note that because the case has a micro-pump (e.g. piezoelectric orperistaltic or any other effective, reliable, accurate and low-cost formof pump), it can be used in reverse to fully drain the PV of e-liquid sothat if the coil holder is replaced then there will be very littlee-liquid to drip out. Activation of the reverse pumping can be through acontrol on the case, or via an app on a connected smartphone: forexample, with the PV stored in the case, then the user opens up theassociated app on his smartphone; one option is ‘drain PV if replacingcoil holder’; when that is activated, then the app sends a controlsignal to the electronics module in the case, which in turn causes themicro-pump to operate to drain the PV fully. When switching betweenflavours, it can be useful to vape with a completely unflavourede-liquid; a ‘cleaning’ routine with unflavoured e-liquid is hencesupported.

The PV includes an air pressure valve or device so that excess air canescape from the e-liquid ‘child’ reservoir in the PV. Air needs toescape from the child reservoir in the PV when that reservoir is beingfilled up with e-liquid, and air needs to enter into the child reservoiras e-liquid is consumed in normal use, since otherwise a partial vacuumwould be created, which would tend to prevent or retard e-liquid in thechild reservoir wicking/entering the atomising coil unit. The PV airpressure relief system, used with the cotton-type wick of FIGS. 11-13 isshown in FIGS. 15-19.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the PV tip assembly. The coil wickassembly 50, shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, is inserted into a castaluminium alloy LM25 tip casting 52; tip casting for the mouthpiece 52is then inserted into the body 53. Tip casting mouthpiece 52 includesthe air pressure relief system; this includes a rounded rectangle shapedmembrane 90 on one side of the mouthpiece 52, secured by slug 91. On theopposing face of the casting 52 is a second, circular PTFE membrane 92,secured in place by slug 93. Instead of a PTFE membrane, other materialsare possible; these materials must be porous to air, but impermeable toe-liquid. Sintered metal is one alternative material; a porous ceramiccould also be used.

FIG. 16 shows the FIG. 15 construction but from a different viewpoint.FIG. 17 is a cross-section view through this construction. There is aninterference fit between each slug 91, 93 and the body 53; this createsa compressive force on each PTFE membrane 90, 92, which each sit on bead95.

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-section through the X-X marked in FIG.17. In addition to the components shown in FIG. 17, we show in thiscross-section the e-liquid feed pipe 42 that feeds the reservoir 44. Airis displaced up past each PTFE membrane 90, 92 and passes along an airvent channel 96, 97, formed in the top of tip casting 52.

FIG. 19A shows the fluid path 98 and the air path 99 (note that air canflow both in and out of the PV through this air path; if the airpressure inside the PV drops (for example, it is in an airplane flyingat high altitude), then air needs to pass into the reservoir 44 toprevent e-liquid leaking out from the PV.

FIG. 19B shows a perspective view of the air vent channel 96 formed inthe top of tip casting 52, with the arrows indicating the air escapepath 99. FIG. 19C shows a perspective view of the tip casting 52 withthe slug removed.

Where a ceramic cell is used, such as the T28 from Shenzen Smoore, thenthe cylindrical wall of the ceramic cell itself serves as theair-pressure valve because the wall is itself bi-directionallyair-permeable. During pressurised filing of a PV that has a ceramiccell, or if ambient air pressure drops, then air can pass through thewall and into the atomizing chamber which vents to the outside.Conversely, if the ambient air pressure increases, then air can passinto the internal reservoirs in the PV via the ceramic walls—in bothcases, this ensures that air pressure equalization is achieved, andwithout the need for an additional air pressure relief system as shownin FIGS. 15-19.

A ceramic cell however presents leakage challenges when being filledunder pressure, as happens with the design we are describing. We solvethis problem with a pair of silicone washers, end-caps or ‘O’ rings oneither end of the cylindrical ceramic cell. This is shown in FIGS.20-25.

Referring to FIGS. 20-22, the ceramic cell, such as the T28 cCell fromShenzen Smoore, is a short cylinder 84 of ceramic material enclosing ahelical heating wire 88 would along the inner bore of the cylinder. Theheating wires are connected to a power bush 87. E-liquid is drawnthrough the porous ceramic walls of the cylinder 84, where it contactsthe heated wires 88 and creates an atomized mist of e-liquid vapour inthe atomizing chamber 43, from where it is drawn out by a user'sinhalation. A ceramic cell is typically wrapped in cotton and thenplaced within a metal tube; e-liquid wets the cotton, forming ane-liquid reservoir around the ceramic coil, and is then wicked throughthe ceramic walls. Where the user manually drips e-liquid into this sortof atomizing unit, then it performs well. However, where the e-liquidreservoir around the ceramic coil is pumped under pressure, as it willbe with the piezo-pump based system we have been describing, then acotton wrap will leak and will also lead to very uneven wetting of theceramic coil. We solve these problems by providing silicone end-caps 85and 86 around the ceramic coil 84. The section of the ceramic coil 84that is not covered by the silicone end-caps 85 and 86 is approximately2 mm wide, but that is sufficient to receive e-liquid and distribute itevenly through the ceramic walls 84. A cotton strip may also be wrappedaround this exposed section of the coil to reduce ingress of e-liquid.

FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the components in the removableand user-replaceable mouthpiece 52, including the ceramic cell 84. Theceramic cell 84, with silicone end-caps 85, 86 is placed within metaltube 38. Metal tube 38 includes an opposing pair of circular e-liquidinlet apertures (approx. 2 mm in diameter) that line up over the sectionof the ceramic coil 84 that is not covered by the silicone end-caps 85,86. Metal tube 38 is placed within tip tube 51; the annular region formsan e-liquid reservoir 44 around the metal tube 38; an e-liquid feed tubesupplies e-liquid into this reservoir 44. A front seal 47 and back seal49 seal off each end of the reservoir. A silicone rubber stopper 48closes off one-end of the tube 38, and includes a central aperture 46through which e-liquid vapour, created in the atomizing chamber 43, canpass. A front tip 89 defines the front face of the mouthpiece.

The silicone end caps make the coil more robust and impact resistantbecause they form protective silicone barriers. Because silicone is agood thermal insulator, it prevents the tip from getting too hot andburning a user's lips; it also improves the thermal effectiveness of theheating element. Instead of silicone, another suitable material, such asrubber or a soft plastic, or another type of elastomer, could be used.Material requirements are that it can (i) form an effective seal aroundthe ceramic unit; (ii) withstand high temperatures; (iii) will notintroduce any toxic compounds into the e-liquid and (iv) is easy to moldaround the ceramic unit and (v) is thermally insulating.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view cross-sectional view of the ceramic coil 84,silicone end-caps 85, 86 and silicone rubber stopper 48 (but facing inthe opposite direction compared with FIG. 23). FIG. 25 is an explodedview of all the mouthpiece components shown in cross-section in FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 shows the entire electronic vaporiser PV, with the mouthpiece orcoil holder 52 at one end (and which includes the components shown inFIG. 25); the main body tube 53, and at the far right hand end thee-liquid filling end, including a check valve assembly 54.

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the main body. It includes an externaltube 53, and a chassis 55 which holds the main components, including abattery 56 and a fluid tube 42 that passes e-liquid from the e-liquidfilling end (not shown) up through the main body and into the reservoirsurrounding the wick and coil assembly (not shown). Within the chassisis a small electronics PCB 58, which includes a small processor or MCUand digital I/O; power and data I/O is via two metal rings sitting roundthe outside of the tube, as will be described later. PCB 58 can also beplaced running above the battery, close to one of the main faces of theexternal tube 53.

The PCB 58 includes an IMU (inertial measurement unit) to detect when itis being lifted up and out of the case to control and/or track certainbehaviours. The IMU is connected to a microcontroller (MCU) in the PV.The PV can also sense when a user is touching it—e.g. with a capacitivesensor. This provides a control signal to the MCU in the PV and henceenables movement associated with the user holding the PV to bedistinguished from other movement of the PV.

An airflow sensor 59 is used to detect airflow and to activate theheating element. PCB also includes a temperature sensor. The airflowsensor 59 can also be used to operate as a spirometer—for example,measuring air flow and/or peak flow when the user is both sucking andblowing into the PV, and without activating the vaping function. Thiscould be very useful for smokers with compromised lung functioning whowish to have a simple way of tracking the improvement in lung functionthat is very likely associated with giving up smoking; this can be anadded motivation to continue with a smoking cessation programme based onusing this device. The spirometer data captured by the airflow sensorcan be sent to the user's app and displayed on the smartphone runningthe app and also shared with a physician.

The MCU in the PV can measure or estimate coil resistance; if the coilresistance is higher than some limit we can say that the coil needs tobe replaced. Likewise, if the resistance starts to fluctuate, then thatis also an indication that the coil needs replacing.

The MCU in the PV directly measures current and voltage delivered to thecoil; it calculates coil resistance from this data. We have empiricallymapped resistance to temperature for various coil/atomizing combinationsand can store that map with the memory accessible by the MCU, enablingthe MCU in the PV to estimate coil temperature and ensure that it isoptimal. This is especially useful during ‘power’ mode when increasedpower is delivered to the coil as it then becomes important to be ableto ensure that the coil temperature is not so high that undesirablecompounds are produced.

Another feature is that each specific type of coil (e.g. design,materials, type of heating coil etc.) has a unique resistance profilewhich can be seen when a small current is passed through the coil (thisis done momentarily before the full current for heating purposes isapplied). This resistance profile is detected by the microcontroller,which in turn compares it to stored profiles to find the best match; themicrocontroller then uses knowledge of the likely type of coil beingused to ensure that it is used optimally—for example, different coiltypes could have different optimal operating temperatures and maximumsafe temperatures. For a typical Kanthal wire coil, we have found thatthe optimal temperature is approximately 130° C. with a 60% to 40% VGmixture, and a relatively small water component; the MCU is able todetermine the coil temperature through empirical mapping of the detectedresistance against previously calculated or directly measuredtemperatures; accuracy is approximately ±10° C. or better. We set themaximum coil temperature at 150° C. since temperatures higher than 160°C. could be associated with the release of undesirable contaminants.Different optimal and maximum temperatures will be a function of thespecific coil material and coil assembly design (e.g. a ceramic coil canoperate at higher temperatures), and the e-liquid being used. Since thespecific type of e-liquid (including flavours, water content, PV/VG mixetc.) being used by the device is known from data in the cartridge, thisdata is used by the MCU to set the optimal and maximum temperatures.

Another benefit to detecting or inferring the coil temperature is thatwe can rapidly compensate for high air-flow rates, which tend to cool acoil down quite quickly, and also very cold ambient temperatures. The PValso includes an integral temperature sensor measuring ambienttemperature and feeding that data to the MCU; if the air is at −5° C.,then the PV will deliver significantly more power to the coil than ifthe air temperature is +30° C., in order to achieve optimal 130° C.operating temperature. It may trigger a longer or more powerful pre-heatof the coil before the first inhalation is even detected by the airpressure sensor in the PV—for example, when the case is first opened orwhen the PV is first withdrawn from the case in very cold air, thenpre-heat can start rapidly and at high power to ensure that the coil isat the optimal temperature when the first inhalation is taken.

The MCU in the PV also monitors each inhalation to measure e-liquidconsumption and heating coil degradation.

Returning to the specific components shown in FIG. 27, a power wire 60is shown, together with rear electrically insulating spacer 61, powerplate 62 connected to the power wire 60, and front electricallyinsulating spacer 63. Power plate 62 provides power from battery 56 tothe heating coil assembly.

FIG. 28 shows an exploded view of the e-liquid filling end, which is thecheck valve assembly 54 in FIG. 26. On check valve body 70 are mounted(moving from right to left in the Figure) a power ring 71, an insulatingring 72, a second power ring 73, a further insulating ring 74 and athird power ring 75. Electrical contact pins 76, 77 and 78, pass throughthe rings. Both power and data is sent via these power rings.

Inside the check valve body 70 is the e-liquid filling or stop valve. Itincludes spring 80 mounted on spring guide 79; the spring 80 biasesstainless steel 316L ball 81, and ball 81 acts as the stop valve.

The e-liquid filing mechanism in the PV is hence a simple aperture ornozzle sealed with spring biased stainless steel 316L ball. When the PVis fully inserted down into the hinged holder, as shown in FIG. 29, thena short filing tube or stem or spigot 83 at the base of the hingedholder pushes the ball 81 off its seat 82, exposing a fluid transferpath up from the filing tube, past the steel ball 81 and up through thePV to the ‘child’ reservoir around the wick and coil assembly.

The piezo pump can be activated manually by a user touching a button orother hard or soft switch on the case; alternatively, the case can beset up to automatically always fill the PV up whenever the PV isreturned to the case and the case shut. In any event, filingautomatically ends when the electronics in the case determines that thePV has sufficient e-liquid; for example, the electronics can monitor thepower, current or voltage used by the micro-pump; this will start torise as the PV reaches full capacity; the micro-pump can then beautomatically switched off (or even momentarily switched into reverse towithdraw a small amount of e-liquid from the PV so there is nopossibility of overfilling the PV).

A stop valve is included at the base of the spigot 83. This is a simpleball valve that is biased closed but is pushed open when the PV is fullyinserted into the case to enable e-liquid to flow past it. Once the PVis removed, the ball valve returns to its closed position, preventingany liquid from spilling from the filing tube or spigot 83. This isshown in FIG. 9B.

A small, spring loaded, damped plug sits around the short filing tube orstem or spigot and causes the PV to be gently raised up when the hingedholder is opened; the PV rises about 5 mm to enable easy extraction fromthe case, mimicking the ritual of being offered a cigarette from a pack.

FIGS. 31 and 32A and 32B are various cross-sectional views through thePV that uses a cotton wick. As noted earlier, the PV (whether using acotton wick or a ceramic cell) is the approximate same size as anordinary cigarette, approximately 10 cm in length and 1 cm in width. Thecross-section is square, with rounded corners (a ‘squircle’): this shapeenables a long, rectangular circuit board to be included in the PV andgives more design freedom for the placement of that PCB: if the PVcasing, was circular, then the PCB would likely have to be mountedexactly across a diameter, and that would leave little room for abattery. So the square cross-section is a much better shape if a longPCB and battery is to be included inside the casing since it allows thePCB to be placed very close to one of the long faces of the PV, henceliberating volume for the battery. Also the PV includes a narrow pipe totransport e-liquid from the filling end to the reservoir around theheating element; this pipe can be accommodated in the corner of the PVcasing just above the PCB. The square-profiled tube with rounded cornersis hence an effective shape for including these elements.

The steel ball valve 81 is shown off its seat 82 although in normalvaping it will be biased against and sealing against its seat. When thePV is being filled with e-liquid, then e-liquid passes up past ballvalve 81, along fluid tube 57 and into reservoir 44. E-liquid passesfrom reservoir 44 along wick 35 into the atomizing chamber. When theuser inhales from the PV, then air is drawn in from air inlets in the PV(not shown, but typically positioned so that air is no drawn over thePCB) and is then sucked from air outlet 46, activating air pressuresensor 59; the MCU on board 58 then sends power from the battery 56 tothe heating coil 36, which rises to 130° C. and rapidly heats thee-liquid in the wick 35, causing it to vapourise; the vapour is carriedout from outlet 46 into the user's mouth.

FIGS. 33A to 33C are cross-sectional views of the PV that uses a ceramiccell 84. Moving from right to left, e-liquid is filled into the PV,moving past stainless steel ball valve 81, passing along feed tube 42into e-liquid child reservoir 43 that surrounds the ceramic cell 84.E-liquid wicks into the ceramic cell 84 through apertures 57. Vapour isinhaled from outlet aperture 46. The entire mouthpiece unit 52 can beclipped off and on the body 53 if desired, enabling mouthpiece to bereplaced if needed. The main PCB 58 sits over the battery 56.

FIGS. 34A and 34B are external views of the ceramic cell-based PV.

Key features of the PV are the following:

PV Feature 1: PV includes an air pressure valve

PV Feature 2: PV includes a mechanical valve that is pushed up from itsseat when filling takes place

PV Feature 3: PV or case has an IMU

PV Feature 4: The PV includes a touch sensor

PV Feature 5: ‘z’ wick heating coil

PV Feature 6: PV with replaceable wick and coil

PV Feature 7: Pulsed power to the coil

PV Feature 8: Detecting coil degradation

PV Feature 9: Estimating coil temperature

PV Feature 10: Monitoring each inhalation to measure e-liquidconsumption and heating coil degradation

PV Feature 11: Monitoring the coil characteristics to identity the typeof coil installed.

PV Feature 12: Monitoring external or ambient temperature to ensure thecoil is at optimal operating temperature

PV Feature 13: Monitoring airflow to ensure the coil is at optimaloperating temperature

PV Feature 14: Using data from cartridge defining the e-liquid tocontrol the heating of the coil

PV Feature 15: The PV has a squircle cross-section

PV Feature 16: Silicone caps to the ceramic cell

Section D describes these features in more detail.

FIGS. 35 and 36 are flow charts explaining the operation of theelectronic vaporiser.

Whilst this implementation is an electronic vaporiser system, theinnovative features can also be applied in an inhalation systemproviding substances other than nicotine—for example, medication, suchas asthma medication or any other drug that can be effectively deliveredinto the lungs, and also vitamins, and recreational drugs such asmarijuana (where their use is lawful). The term ‘e-liquid’ can hence begeneralized to any substance, including any medication, or legallypermissible recreational drug.

Section C: Key Features

A number of interesting features are present in this electroniccigarette vaporiser system. We list them here, categorised into featuresrelevant to the Case, the Cartridge and the PV. Note that each featurecan be used with any one or more of the other features and no singlefeature is mandatory.

Case Features

-   Case Feature 1: The case includes a piezo-electric pump-   Case Feature 2: The case or PV has a ‘discrete’ mode-   Case Feature 3: The case or PV includes a ‘power mode’ with coil    temperature monitoring-   Case Feature 4: The case has a PV ejection mechanism-   Case Feature 5: A non-contact sensor in the case detects PV release    from the case-   Case Feature 6: Sensor in the piezo pump feed line-   Case Feature 7: Correcting any imbalance in the twin actuators in    the piezo pump

Cartridge Features

-   Cartridge Feature 1: The cartridge or other form of parent reservoir    includes an air pressure valve-   Cartridge Feature 2: The cartridge includes a memory chip-   Cartridge Feature 3: The cartridge includes two e-liquid apertures-   Cartridge Feature 4: The cartridge stores the batch number of the    e-liquid it is filled with and can be remotely disabled from using    specific batch numbers

PV Features

-   PV Feature 1: PV includes an air pressure valve-   PV Feature 2: PV includes a mechanical valve that is pushed up from    its seat when filling takes place-   PV Feature 3: PV or case has an IMU-   PV Feature 4: The PV includes a touch sensor-   PV Feature 5: ‘z’ wick heating coil-   PV Feature 6: PV with replaceable wick and coil-   PV Feature 7: Pulsed power to the coil-   PV Feature 8: Detecting coil degradation-   PV Feature 9: Estimating coil temperature-   PV Feature 10: Monitoring each inhalation to measure e-liquid    consumption and heating coil degradation-   PV Feature 11: Monitoring the coil characteristics to identity the    type of coil installed.-   PV Feature 12: Monitoring external or ambient temperature to ensure    the coil is at optimal operating temperature-   PV Feature 13: Monitoring airflow to ensure the coil is at optimal    operating temperature-   PV Feature 14: Using data from the cartridge defining the e-liquid    to control the heating of the coil-   PV Feature 15: The PV has a squircle cross-section-   PV Feature 16: Silicone caps to the ceramic cell

In this section, we describe the key features of this electronicvaporiser system in more detail and generalise from the specificimplementations.

Case Features 1-5

Case Feature 1: The Case Includes a Piezo-Electric Pump: the case (orthe PV or the cartridge) includes a piezo-electric pump to transfersmall but accurate quantities of e-liquid in from the cartridge orparent reservoir to a child reservoir in the PV. This enables mixingfrom multiple cartridges too. The piezo-electric pump can be used as thefluid transfer mechanism to transfer e-liquid from the cartridge orparent reservoir into the child reservoir in the PV. It can also be usedin reverse to suck back out any residual e-liquid in the PV.

Because the amounts delivered can be accurately metered, this means thatthe PV (or case or cartridge or an associated application running on asmartphone) can accurately determine the total consumption of e-liquidand/or the amount of e-liquid remaining in a cartridge and also in thePV itself. This in turn can be used in the automatic re-orderingfunction—for example, when the system knows that the cartridge is downto its last 20% by volume of e-liquid, then the app running on theuser's smartphone can prompt the user with a message asking if the userwould like to order a replacement cartridge or cartridges. Low-costpiezo-electric pumps used ordinarily for delivering ink in an inkjetprinter may be used, as well as more costly pumps, such as those madefor pumping blood plasma. Note that the piezo-electric pump is quite ahigh cost item and so suitable for premium category electronic vaporiserdevices. Where minimizing costs is critical, then a mechanical pumpingarrangement, as for example described in WO 2015/128665, can be usedinstead.

The pump operates at low pressure, under 1 psi (higher pressures arepossible) and has a flow rate of 0.4-0.6 mL per minute, and hence willfill a completely empty PV in 60-90 seconds (or half that if the PV hasbeen used to vape a single session after its last complete filling sinceit is already half-filled). The pump can be activated manually by a usertouching a button or other hard or soft switch on the case;alternatively, the case can be set up to automatically always fill thePV up whenever the PV is returned to the case and the case shut. In anyevent, filing automatically ends when the electronics in the casedetermines that the PV has sufficient e-liquid; for example, theelectronics can monitor the power, current or voltage used by themicro-pump; this will start to rise as the PV reaches full capacity; themicro-pump can then be automatically switched off (or even momentarilyswitched into reverse to withdraw a small amount of e-liquid from the PVso there is no possibility of overfilling the PV). The micro-pump canalso be operated in reverse, or with rapid forward and reverse pumping,to clear a blockage or clean the system.

A sensor can be placed in the inlet tube feeding the piezo-pump todetermine if air or e-liquid is about to enter the piezo-pump: thepumping frequency for e-liquid has to be significantly lower forefficient pumping of e-liquid; or other parameters can also be alteredto ensure pumping effectiveness. Also, the viscosity of the e-liquidaffects the piezo-pump and as the viscosity increases, the pumpingfrequency should be lowered.

The viscosity could be directly measured using an appropriate sensor(e.g. a MEMS sensor) or could be inferred from the ambient temperatureand/or the temperature of the e-liquid (viscosity is temperaturedependent).

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser system including a singlepiezo-electric pump that both withdraws liquid from a cartridge orchamber and also pumps controlled amounts of liquid into anotherreservoir in the electronic vaporiser.

Optional features include one or more of the following:

-   -   the reservoir surrounds or leads to an atomizing chamber.    -   the pump is in a case that enables a removeable, personal        vaporiser to be stored, and a cartridge is attached to or        inserted into the case, and the case both re-fills the vaporiser        with e-liquid and re-charges a battery in the vaporiser.    -   the cartridge or chamber is removably insertable or attachable        to the case.    -   the cartridge or chamber is removably insertable or integral to        the vaporiser    -   the pump is a piezo-electric pump, for example of the sort used        to transfer ink in an inkjet printer or to pump other liquids        such as blood plasma    -   the pump is a piezo-electric pump that can reliably pump liquids        across the viscosity range of e-liquids between −10 degrees C.        and +40 degrees C.    -   the pump has an input feed line connected to the cartridge and        an output feedline connected to a filling nozzle that engages        with the PV or vaporiser when the vaporiser is positioned in the        case for re-filling with e-liquid    -   the pump is included in the vaporiser and the vaporiser also        includes the cartridge.    -   the cartridge is not pressurized to a degree sufficient to expel        liquid.    -   the cartridge is filled with an inert gas at manufacture.    -   the pump (or its control or driver circuitry) provides data to        an electronics module (e.g. MCU in the PV and/or case and/or        elsewhere, such as the connected smartphone) that enables the        module to determine, estimate or infer the amount of liquid        pumped from the cartridge or left remaining in the cartridge        (e.g. using a knowledge of the total number of pumping cycles        and the amount pumped per cycle, or the pumping frequency,        duration of pumping and the amount pumped per cycle, or other        relevant data; the ambient temperature and temperature of the        e-liquid can also be measured or inferred and that result also        factored in).    -   the module uses this data defining the amount of liquid consumed        to assess whether the quantity is within user-defined limits; if        the liquid consumed is at or above the defined limit, the module        can cause a warning message to be displayed, e.g. on the case,        the PV or the connected smartphone application. Note that the        device could also be stopped from working entirely if excessive        nicotine appears to have been consumed, although that would be        an extreme measure and possibly also counter-productive since it        could simply prompt the user to smoke a cigarette instead.    -   the pump (or its control or driver circuitry) or a sensor in        line with the pump provides data to an electronics module that        enables the module to determine, estimate or infer when pumping        liquid to the reservoir in the personal vaporiser should cease        to prevent over-filling the personal vaporiser.        -   data is the current drawn by the pump or electrical            resistance offered by the pump, or the output of a pressure            sensor in line with the pump        -   electronics module uses the data as well as data relating to            the amount of liquid pumped into the personal vaporiser to            determine, estimate or infer when pumping liquid to the            reservoir in the personal vaporiser should cease.    -   the pump (or its control or driver circuitry) provides data to        an electronics module that enables the module to determine,        estimate or infer whether the cartridge has been unlawfully        filled because it is providing a quantity of liquid that exceeds        the normal capacity of the cartridge.    -   the pump has a flow rate of between 0.4 mL and 0.6 mL per        minute.    -   the pump delivers a pressure of under 1 psi, or under 5 psi,        with e-liquid.    -   the pump is activated by a user touching a panel or button or        switch on the case.    -   the pump can be operated in reverse to withdraw liquid from the        personal vaporiser, for example to minimize contamination of        liquid when switching flavours.    -   the pump can also be operated in reverse, or with rapid forward        and reverse pumping, to clear a blockage or clean the system.    -   the pump is activated automatically whenever a personal        vaporiser is placed into a storage or filling mode, e.g. closed        into a storage case.    -   the pump can be prevented from pumping liquid from a specific        cartridge in the case where that cartridge is identified as        defective or as including defective or contaminated e-liquid.    -   Operating parameters of the pump are automatically altered        depending on whether it is pumping air or e-liquid    -   Operating parameters of the pump are automatically altered        depending on the ambient temperature and/or the e-liquid        temperature and/or the e-liquid viscosity    -   The operating parameters include the actuator frequency    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system and the        liquid is an e-liquid.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is filled from a user-replaceable,        closed liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer liquid        into the vaporiser.

Other aspects include the following:

An e-cig system including a piezo-electric micropump operating toextract e-liquid from a user-removable cartridge.

An e-cig system including a piezo-electric micropump operating totransfer e-liquid into a reservoir in a PV.

An e-cig system including a peristaltic micropump operating to extracte-liquid from a user-removable cartridge.

An e-cig system including a peristaltic micropump operating to transfere-liquid into a reservoir in a PV.

Note that there may be a single pump to both extract and transfer, orone pump for each operation. Another aspect is therefore an electronicvaporiser system including a single piezo-electric pump to withdrawe-liquid from an e-liquid cartridge or chamber and a furtherpiezo-electric pump to pump controlled amounts of e-liquid into anotherreservoir in the electronic vaporiser.

Another aspect is: A storage case for an electronic cigarette vaporiser,in which the case includes:

-   (a) a user-replaceable, closed e-liquid cartridge that slots into or    otherwise attaches to the case, the cartridge including a septum    that seals an aperture in the body of the cartridge;-   (b) a needle or stem positioned to puncture or penetrate the septum    when the cartridge is moved into position;-   (c) a piezo-pump connected to the needle or stem to withdraw    e-liquid from the cartridge and to pump it to the vaporiser when the    vaporiser is positioned in the storage case and the user either    activates a control switch (e.g. on the case, and/or on an app)    or (ii) e-liquid filling is started automatically.    -   The case may include several different cartridges all feeding        the pump, via a mixer unit.

Another aspect is: A case for storing, re-filling with e-liquid andre-charging an electronic cigarette vaporiser, in which the caseincludes a piezo-electric pump to transfer quantities of e-liquid to achild reservoir in the personal vaporiser.

Other Optional Features:

-   -   the piezo-electric pump is used in reverse to suck back out any        residual e-liquid in the personal vaporiser.    -   the amount of e-liquid transferred by the piezo-electric pump is        metered.    -   the metered data enables the total consumption of e-liquid        and/or the amount of e-liquid remaining in a cartridge and also        in the personal vaporiser itself to be measured or assessed.    -   the metered data is used in an automatic re-ordering function        for new cartridges.    -   the piezo-electric pump is a piezo-electric pump of the kind        used ordinarily for delivering ink in an inkjet printer or to        pump blood plasma.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.

One final aspect: A piezo-electric pump adapted to be operable towithdraw e-liquid from an e-liquid cartridge or reservoir and to pumpcontrolled amounts of e-liquid into a reservoir or chamber in anelectronic cigarette vaporiser. The adaptation can be the specificchoice of materials used in the piezo-pump, in order for there to benicotine compatibility, such as the use of polyimide materials.

Case Feature 2: Case or PV has a ‘discrete’ mode: PV includes a‘discrete mode’—e.g. to reduce the amount of vapour produced, the usercan activate a button or sensor on the PV (or case, or connected app)and that alters the operation of the operation of the atomising devicein such a way as to decrease the vapour produced—for example, it couldreduce the power used, or increase the VG proportion compared to PG, ifthat is possible—e.g. the case or PV can mix differing proportions of PGand VG, or alter the frequency or other operational parameters (e.g.duty cycle) of a piezo-electric, thermal bubble jet or ultrasonicatomiser. Consequently, the density or thickness of the vapour producedby the PV can be significantly reduced; this is particularly usefulindoors, when the user might wish to vape very discretely. The strengthof the ‘hit’ can also be decreased too, because the amount of nicotineinhaled will be reduced; this can be useful where the user wishes toreduce their nicotine consumption.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser system operable in a ‘discrete’ modeto reduce the amount of vapour produced by a vaporiser that forms partof the system, compared to a normal mode.

Optional features include one or more of the following:

-   -   the ‘discrete’ mode causes the vapour produced to be less        visible or noticeable, compared to a normal mode.    -   the system include a button or sensor that, if selected or        activated, alters the operation of the vaporiser in such a way        as to decrease the vapour produced.    -   the user can activate a button or sensor on the system (e.g. on        the PV, or case) or connected application running on a connected        smartphone or other device, that alters the operation of an        atomising or heating device in such a way as to decrease the        vapour produced, compared to a normal mode.    -   the ‘discrete’ mode involves reducing the power delivered to or        used by the atomising or heating unit, compared to a normal        mode, e.g. by 10%.    -   the atomising or heating unit is powered using a pulsed signal        and the duty cycle of the pulsed signal is varied to decrease        the power, compared to a normal mode, e.g. by 10%.    -   the pulsed signal is a PWM (pulse width modulated) signal.    -   the ‘discrete’ mode involves increasing the VG (vegetable        glycerin) proportion compared to PG (propylene glycol) in the        e-liquid being vaporised, compared to a normal mode.    -   the ‘discrete’ mode involves altering the frequency or other        operational parameters (e.g. duty cycle) of a piezo-electric,        thermal bubble jet or ultrasonic atomiser.    -   the ‘discrete’ mode involves reducing the maximum temperature of        the heating element in the atomizing unit, compared to a normal        mode, e.g. by 10%.    -   a microcontroller in the vaporiser monitors the temperature of        the heating element, e.g. to ensure that it remains within the        range that delivers a good vaping experience but with lower        amounts of vapour.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is a medicinally approved        nicotine drug delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser is filled from a user-replaceable        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser is filled with e-liquid using a        piezo-electric pump    -   the electronic vaporiser includes lights that illuminate to        indicate the amount of e-liquid consumed, and these lights are        dimmed or turned off if the vaporiser is in ‘discrete’ mode.

Case Feature 3: Case or PV includes a ‘power mode’—e.g. to increase theamount of vapour produced, the user can activate a button or sensor onthe case or PV, or connected app and that alters the operation of theoperation of the atomising device in such a way as to increase thevapour produced—for example, it may increase the power used, or increasethe frequency or duty cycle of a piezo-electric, thermal bubble jet orultrasonic atomizer, but whilst monitoring the coil temperature toensure that excessively high temperatures, associated with undesirablecompounds in the vapour, are not reached.

Additionally, or alternatively, the system may increase the PGproportion compared to VG, if that is possible—e.g. the case or PV canmix differing proportions of PG and VG, Consequently, the density orthickness of the vapour produced by the PV can be significantlyincreased; the strength of the ‘hit’ can also be increased too, becausethe amount of nicotine inhaled will be greater.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser system operable in a ‘power’ mode toincrease the amount of vapour produced by a vaporiser that forms part ofthe system, whilst monitoring the temperature of a heating element inthe vaporiser to ensure that excessively high temperatures, associatedwith undesirable compounds in the vapour produced by the heatingelement, are not reached.

Optional features include one or more of the following:

-   -   the system includes a button or sensor that alters the operation        of the heating element in such a way as to increase the vapour        produced, compared to normal.    -   the button or sensor is on the vaporiser, or a case for the        vaporiser, or a connected application running on a connected        smartphone or other device.    -   the PV includes no ‘power mode’ button.    -   the PV includes no other control buttons.    -   the ‘power’ mode involves increasing the PG proportion compared        to VG of the e-liquid being vaporised.    -   the ‘power’ mode involves altering the frequency or other        operational parameters (e.g. duty cycle) of a piezo-electric,        thermal bubble jet or ultrasonic atomizer, whilst monitoring the        temperature of the heating element to ensure it remains at a        safe temperature.    -   the vaporiser includes or co-operates with an electronics module        that (i) detects characteristics of the resistance of the        heating element and (ii) uses an inference of temperature        derived from that resistance as a control input.    -   the temperature of the heating element is estimated from data        stored in the electronics module that has been empirically        obtained for a specific heating coil design.    -   the electronics module controls the power delivered to the        heating element to ensure that it is no higher than        approximately 130° C. or 10% above normal    -   the electronics module controls the power delivered using the        resistance measurement and does not calculate any derived        temperature.    -   The system includes a ‘discrete’ mode to decrease the amount of        vapour produced by a vaporiser that forms part of the system,        compared to normal    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   coil temperature monitoring is achieved as described below (see        ‘PV Feature 9’)    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser is filled from a user-replaceable        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser is filled with e-liquid using a        piezo-electric pump    -   the electronic vaporiser includes lights that illuminate to        indicate the amount of e-liquid consumed, and these lights are        set to shine more brightly if the vaporiser is in ‘power’ mode,        compared to their normal level of brightness.

Case Feature 4: Case has a PV ejection mechanism: The case includes anautomatic lifting mechanism (e.g. magnetic or spring-based) that, whenthe case is opened, gently lifts the PV up a few mm from the case toenable a user to easily grasp it and may also prevent it from fallingout if tipped upside down. A mechanical lifting system could be a simplepivoting lever that contacts a part of the PV (e.g. its front face); adamped spring is placed under tension if the PV is inserted fully intothe case; when the PV is released from the case (e.g. by pushing arelease button), then the lever cause the PV to gently rise up by about,for example, 12 mm. A magnetic lifting mechanism could involve apermanent magnet at one part of the PV and an adjacent electro-magnetplaced in the case and powered by the main battery in the case; slowlyenergising the electro-magnet when the PV needs to be released causesthe PV to gracefully rise up out of the case.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

A case for an electronic cigarette vaporiser, the case including anautomatic lifting mechanism (e.g. magnetic or spring-based) that gentlylifts the vaporiser up a few mm from the case to enable a user to easilygrasp the vaporiser and withdraw it from the case.

Optional features include one or more of the following:

-   -   the case both re-fills the vaporiser with e-liquid and also        re-charges a battery in the vaporiser.    -   the lifting mechanism is a pivoting lever that contacts a part        of the vaporiser (e.g. its front face) and a damped spring that        is placed under tension if the vaporiser is inserted fully into        the case, so that when the vaporiser is released from the case,        then the lever causes the vaporiser to gently rise up by about,        for example, 12 mm.    -   the lifting mechanism is a permanent magnet at one part of the        vaporiser and an adjacent electro-magnet placed in the case and        powered by the main battery in the case; so that slowly        energising the electro-magnet when the PV needs to be released        causes the vaporiser to gracefully rise up out of the case.    -   the lifting mechanism is a damped spring that is placed under        tension when the vaporiser is inserted fully into the case or        the case is closed; and a latch secures the spring in its        tensioned state and releases the spring when the case is opened,        enabling the spring to extend, gently lifting the vaporiser up 1        cm approximately so that it can be easily grasped.    -   the case includes a liquid filling nozzle or stem or aperture        that engages with the vaporiser and enables e-liquid to pass        from a reservoir or cartridge in the case into the vaporiser.    -   the lifting mechanism is automatically activated when the case        is opened.    -   the case includes a hinged holder into which a vaporiser is slid        for storage, and the case is opened by causing the holder to        hinge open.    -   the case includes a sensor to detect when the vaporiser has been        withdrawn from the case.    -   if the lifting mechanism is activated, then a signal is sent to        the vaporiser to turn the vaporiser on or otherwise alter its        state.    -   the case is part of an electronic vaporiser system, such as an        e-cigarette system.    -   the case is part of a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the case includes a holder for an electronic vaporiser is the        same approximate size as a cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons that could impede        smooth ejection from the case.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser is filled from a user-replaceable        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser is filled with e-liquid using a        piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

Case Feature 5: A non-contact sensor detects PV release from the case: Anon-contact sensor (e.g. a magnetic sensor, such as a reed switch, Halleffect sensor etc.) detects when the PV enters and leaves thecharge/re-fill case by sensing the presence, proximity or movement of asmall magnet or strip of metal in the PV (or some other mechanism fordisrupting the local magnetic field around the sensor); a non-contactswitch like a magnetic sensor has the advantage of being robust andreliable and does not affect the smooth, tactile quality of insertingand withdrawing the PV from the case, unlike physical (e.g. electrical)contacts. Similarly, a light sensor could be used; for example, a lightsensor in the PV could detect when light was incident on the PV,inferring that the PV is now in an open case or no longer in the case atall; alternatively, the case could include a small light sensor facing aLED light source in the case; withdrawal of the PV triggers the lightsensor since light from the LED is now incident on the sensor. Manyvariants of sensor are possible. When withdrawal of the PV is detectedby the PV, it can automatically start heating the atomising coil so thatthe PV is at its optimal operational temperature when the user takes hisfirst vape.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser system that includes a case and avaporiser that is stored in the case, and the system includes anon-contact sensor that detects release or withdrawal of the vaporiserfrom the case.

Other optional features:

-   -   when withdrawal of the vaporiser is detected, then the vaporiser        electronic circuitry changes state.    -   changes state to a ready mode    -   changes state to a ready or pre-heating mode in which an        inhalation detector is activated.    -   changes state to a heating mode, in which the atomising unit is        at least partly activated—so that the vaporiser is fully heated        when the first inhalation is taken.    -   when withdrawal of the vaporiser from the case is detected by        the vaporiser or the vaporiser receives data indicating that the        vaporiser has been withdrawn from the case, it automatically        starts heating the atomising unit so that the vaporiser is at        its optimal operational temperature when the user takes his        first vape.    -   the case includes some or all of the non-contact sensor    -   the vaporiser includes some or all of the non-contact sensor    -   the sensor is a non-contact magnetic sensor, such as a reed        switch, or Hall effect sensor that detects when the PV enters        and leaves a charge/re-fill case by sensing the presence,        proximity or movement of a small magnet or strip of metal in the        PV or some other mechanism for disrupting the local magnetic        field around the sensor.    -   a light sensor in the PV detects when light is incident on the        PV, inferring that the PV is now in an open case or no longer in        the case at all;    -   the case includes a small LED light source and sensor; the LED        is illuminated when the vaporiser is in the case and light        reflected from the vaporiser is detected by the sensor;        withdrawal of the vaporiser triggers the light sensor since        light is no longer reflected off the vaporiser into the sensor.    -   Sensor is an IMU in the PV    -   the case is a re-fill and re-charge case.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the case includes a holder for an electronic vaporiser is the        same approximate size as a cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons that could impede        smooth ejection from the case.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser is filled from a user-replaceable        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser is filled with e-liquid using a        piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism.

Case Feature 6: sensor in the piezo pump feed Line

The e-liquid feed or inlet tube includes a sensor that can detectwhether the feed into the piezo micro-pump is liquid or air; this isvery useful to know because the piezo-pump operates in different modesdepending on the viscosity of the material being pumped. So being ableto automatically alter the cycle time or frequency of the piezo-pump,based on an automatic assessment of the substance being pumped, is veryuseful.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser system including a piezo-electric pumpthat pumps e-liquid into an electronic vaporizer, in which a sensordetects whether air or e-liquid is present in the liquid feed line intothe piezo-electric pump and adjusts an operating parameter of the pumpaccordingly.

Other optional features:

-   -   the operating parameter that is adjusted is the frequency of the        actuators in the piezo-pump    -   the operating parameter that is adjusted is the flow-rate        provide by the piezo-pump    -   the operating parameter that is adjusted is the pressure        delivered by the piezo-pump    -   if the sensor detects that air is entering the piezo pump, then        the piezo pump is controlled to operate at a high frequency,        such as between 150-400 Hz (and preferably 300 Hz).    -   if the sensor detects that e-liquid is entering the piezo-pump,        then the piezo pump is controlled to operate at a lower        frequency, such as 7-20 Hz (and preferably 15 Hz).    -   a temperature measurement device provides a further input that        is used to adjust one or more of the operating parameters of the        piezo-pump    -   ambient and/or e-liquid temperature is measured by the        temperature measurement device    -   as the temperature measured by the temperature measurement        device gets lower, then the piezo pump is operated at a lower        frequency.    -   A viscosity measurement device provides a further input that is        used to adjust one or more of the operating parameters of the        piezo-pump    -   As viscosity increases, then the piezo pump is operated at a        lower frequency    -   The sensor includes a pair of electrical contacts on either side        of the tube; and when there is e-liquid in the portion of the        tube around which the sensors are placed, then there is a large        resistance; when there is air in that portion, then the        resistance is infinite or too high to measure.    -   The sensor is a capacitive sensor.    -   The sensor is an infra-red light sensor.    -   The piezo-pump and sensor are in the case    -   The piezo-pump and sensor are in the vaporiser    -   The piezo-pump and sensor are in a user-replaceable cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is filled from a user-replaceable        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser

Case Feature 7: correcting any imbalance in the twin actuators in thepiezo pump

Where the piezo pump has twin-piezo actuators, then one problem that canarise is that each actuator, over time, starts to operate slightlydifferently. Proper operation of the pump requires both actuators tooperate identically, delivering exactly the same quantity of liquid foreach pumping stroke. Pumping performance can drop significantly overtime because of this mis-match in operation and output. In our system, amicrocontroller can independently adjust the phase or timing or power ofeach voltage pulse that triggers a piezo-actuator until both actuatorsare operating together in the most optimal manner.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser system including a piezo-electric pumpwith multiple piezo-actuators, in which a microcontroller independentlyadjusts the phase or timing or power of each voltage pulse that triggersa piezo-actuator.

Other optional features:

-   -   the microcontroller continuously or regularly monitors the        efficiency or performance of the entire pump and adjusts the        phase, timing, or power delivered to each piezo-actuator        relationship until or so that the optimum pumping performance is        achieved.    -   Pumping performance is measured using a flow sensor, such as a        MEMS based flow sensor    -   if one actuator is delivering less e-liquid than the other, then        the power delivered to that first actuator is increased, or the        power delivered to the other actuator is decreased.    -   For the less effective actuator, then the peak voltage delivered        to that actuator is increased, or the peak voltage delivered to        the other actuator is decreased.    -   For the less effective actuator, then the start of the voltage        pulse is brought forward for that actuator, or the start of the        voltage pulse for the other actuator is delayed.    -   The microcontroller continuously or regularly adjusts the        various parameters affecting each actuator's performance until        optimal pumping from the entire piezo-pump is achieved.    -   the piezo-pump is in the case.    -   the piezo-pump is in the vaporiser.    -   the piezo-pump is in a user-replaceable cartridge.    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes the piezo-pump fluid transfer mechanism to        transfer e-liquid into the vaporiser.

Another aspect is a piezo-electric pump with multiple piezo-actuators,in which a microcontroller independently adjusts the phase or timing orpower of each voltage pulse that triggers a piezo-actuator in thepiezo-pump. A microcontroller continuously or regularly monitors theefficiency or performance of the entire pump and adjusts the phase,timing, or power delivered to each piezo-actuator relationship until orso that the optimum pumping performance is achieved.

Cartridge Features 1-4

Cartridge Feature 1: The cartridge or other form or parent reservoirincludes an air pressure valve. As the fluid level inside thecartridge/reservoir falls (e.g. because fluid is being transferred intothe child reservoir in the PV), atmospheric pressure forces open the airpressure valve to allow air to flow in and ensure equalisation of theair pressure. Air pressure equalisation or normalisation is alsoimportant whenever the ambient air pressure alters (e.g. when in anaircraft) or the temperature changes, causing the e-liquid in thecartridge to expand or contract, since it prevents the e-fluid leakagethat might otherwise occur. If no air pressure valve is provided, then,as the cartridge empties, a partial vacuum forms, retarding fluidtransfer out of the cartridge.

The valve also prevents contaminants from entering thecartridge/reservoir, which hence preserves the condition and stabilityof the e-liquid.

The cartridge is non-refillable, tamper evident and with an airtightseal to preserve e-liquid stability during transit and storage. Thecartridge lid includes a small air hole to allow air to enter and leavea plenum chamber formed by the lid as one face, and ridges in the lid asthe sides and a PTFE sheet facing the lid as the opposite face. The PTFEsheet is impermeable to e-liquid but permeable to air, hence enablingthe air pressure equalization within the cartridge. The plenum providesfor a large surface area for the air/PTFE interface. The PTFE membraneis typically constructed from PTFE Powder that is sintered and formedinto a bulk microporous structure. The membrane is in the form of arectangle approximately 50 mm×10 mm, and 0.25 mm thick, giving a largesurface area. This is ultrasonically fused with the lid moulding windowaperture of a similar size. The cartridge material is HDPE, which can beeffectively ultra-sonically welded to PTFE. Other materials than PTFEmay be used if they have the right properties of being impermeable toe-liquid, but permeable to air; for example, PTFE coated paper may besuitable.

Instead of a PTFE sheet, a simple mechanical, e.g. a duckbill valve,could be used instead.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An e-liquid cartridge or other form of parent reservoir designed tosupply e-liquid to an electronic cigarette vaporiser, in which thecartridge includes an air pressure valve.

Other optional features:

-   -   the air pressure valve is designed so that as the fluid level        inside the cartridge/reservoir falls (e.g. because fluid is        being transferred into the child reservoir in the PV),        atmospheric pressure enables the air pressure valve to allow air        to flow in and ensure equalisation of the air pressure.    -   the cartridge, in use, engages with a fluid transfer mechanism        that extracts e-liquid from the cartridge    -   valve is air-permeable but impermeable to e-liquid.    -   valve is an oleophobic material    -   valve is a hydrophobic or super-hydrophobic material    -   valve is an air-porous, e-liquid impermeable layer or membrane        that permits air pressure equalisation within the cartridge.    -   valve is an air-porous e-liquid impermeable PTFE layer or        membrane.    -   valve is an air-porous e-liquid impermeable PTFE-coated paper        layer or membrane.    -   PTFE layer or membrane includes on its air-facing side strands        of polypropylene or another plastic that increases the surface        area of the air-interface and/or facilitates welding to the body        of the cartridge    -   the valve is a mechanical valve, such as a duckbill valve.    -   the cartridge is non-refillable, tamper evident and with an        airtight seal to preserve e-liquid stability during storage and        transportation.    -   the cartridge has a lid and that lid includes a small air hole        to allow air to enter and leave a plenum chamber formed by (i)        the lid as one face of the plenum, and (s) internal ridges in        the lid as the sides of the plenum and an air-porous, e-liquid        impermeable sheet facing the lid as the opposite face of the        plenum, the sheet being in contact with the e-liquid in the        cartridge.    -   the sheet is ultrasonically fused with the lid moulding window        aperture of a similar size.    -   the Cartridge material is HDPE, PETG or COC, ultra-sonically        welded to PTFE.    -   the cartridge is not pressurized to a degree sufficient to expel        e-liquid.    -   the cartridge is filled with an inert gas at manufacture.    -   the cartridge is adapted to be inserted into or attached to a        portable, personal storage and carrying case for the electronic        vaporiser and further adapted to engage with a fluid transfer        system in the case.    -   the cartridge is adapted to be inserted into or attached to the        electronic vaporiser and further adapted to engage with a fluid        transfer system in the vaporiser.    -   the cartridge includes an integral fluid transfer mechanism    -   the cartridge is no greater than 10 mL in capacity.

We can also generalise beyond an e-liquid cartridge, to a cartridge withany sort of liquid: A cartridge or other form of parent reservoirdesigned to supply liquid to an electronic vaporiser, in which thecartridge includes an air pressure valve. This cartridge may includeeach of the features defined above.

Cartridge Feature 2: Cartridge with chip

Most electronic vaporiser e-cigarettes allow users to refill liquidtanks with anything, which results in potentially high toxicity, coilcontamination and device malfunctioning. No such manual refilling ispossible with the closed cartridge in this system. To verify complianceand indicate any tampering, each cartridge has its own unique serialnumber written in a One-Wire flash memory chip (we use the term ‘chip’to refer to a solid state memory, microcontroller or microprocessor).The chip is a Maxim DS28E15 security chip or authenticator. After acartridge is installed, the case reads the cartridge's serial number andverifies whether its hash-function is valid. If the verification isokay, the cartridge will be used to refill the e-cig. If not, the casewill block any liquid usage from this cartridge. The memory chip is thesame sort type of chip used on ink-jet cartridges and its operation isthe same.

The cartridge internal memory stores the liquid level too. For example,the case measures or infers the quantity of e-liquid pumped from thecartridge and stores a record of the estimated e-liquid left in thecartridge (it assumes the cartridge started with 10 mL of e-liquid). Thecase writes this value into the cartridge. If the cartridge is removedbut not entirely used it will keep its last liquid level in memory. Thecase also stores this liquid level. When the cartridge is installed backinto the case, then the case will read and use this number. A cartridgecan be transferred to a different case and that new case will read outthe correct liquid level for that cartridge and write the new levelafter some use back into the cartridge.

Reading and storing serial numbers also allows the case to gather usagestatistics and send it over the Internet to the factory database (seeabove).

Each cartridge has information about when and where it was produced, andany tax due and when it was paid. Using this information and currenttime and data from the user's smartphone we can detect if liquid in thecartridge is out-of-date or a counterfeit.

We can generalise this feature as follows

An e-liquid cartridge designed to provide e-liquid for an electroniccigarette vaporiser system, the cartridge including a chip that storesand outputs a unique identity for the cartridge and/or data defining thee-liquid stored in the cartridge, and the cartridge being adapted to beinserted into or form an integral part of the electronic vaporisersystem.

Other optional features:

-   -   the cartridge, in use, engages with a fluid transfer mechanism        that extracts e-liquid from the cartridge    -   the cartridge includes an integral fluid transfer mechanism    -   data stored and output by the chip defines one or more of:        flavor, nicotine strength, manufacturing batch number, date of        manufacture or filling, tax data, quantity of e-liquid stored in        the cartridge.    -   the electronic vaporiser system includes a storage case adapted        to both re-fill an electronic vaporiser with e-liquid from the        cartridge and also re-charge a battery in the electronic        vaporiser PV; and the chip outputs the unique ID and/or the data        defining the e-liquid stored in the cartridge to a        microcontroller or microprocessor in the case.    -   the cartridge is adapted to be inserted into or attached to a        portable, personal storage and carrying case for an electronic        vaporiser and further adapted to engage with a fluid transfer        system in the case; and the chip outputs the unique ID and/or        the data defining the e-liquid stored in the cartridge to a        microcontroller or microprocessor in the case and the unique ID        and/or data controls the operation of the fluid transfer system.    -   the cartridge is adapted to be inserted into or attached to an        electronic vaporiser and further adapted to engage with a fluid        transfer system in the vaporiser; and the chip outputs the        unique ID and/or the data defining the e-liquid stored in the        cartridge to a microcontroller or microprocessor in the case and        the unique ID and/or data controls the operation of the fluid        transfer system.    -   cartridge includes an integral fluid transfer mechanism    -   electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette PV.    -   electronic vaporiser system is a medicinally approved nicotine        drug delivery system.    -   the cartridge is non-refillable, tamper evident and with an        airtight seal to preserve e-liquid stability during storage and        transportation.    -   cartridge includes a data transfer contact or contacts, such as        contacts using a single wire protocol.    -   cartridge is no larger than 10 mL in capacity.    -   cartridge includes two apertures, the first aperture being used        to fill the cartridge on a filing line and then being covered        with a bung or plug and the second aperture being sealed by a        septum designed to be penetrated or punctured by a needle or        stem that withdraws e-liquid from the cartridge.    -   single wire connection is used to read data from the chip.    -   unique identity the data defining the e-liquid stored in the        cartridge is processed by a processor in a device into which the        cartridge is inserted or attached (e.g. the case into which the        cartridge is inserted or attached or the vaporiser).    -   processor in the device receives data from a remote server        either permitting the cartridge to be used by the case or        preventing it from being used by the device.    -   processor calculates or determines if the unique identity is        valid and sends a signal either permitting a fluid transfer        mechanism to work with that cartridge or preventing it from        working with that cartridge.    -   processor in the device writes data back to the chip.    -   data written back to the chip includes an estimate or measure of        the quantity of e-liquid remaining in, or provided by, the        cartridge.    -   The estimate or measure is calculated from data from or        associated with the pump, such as the number of pumping cycles    -   The estimate or measure is calculated using the ambient        temperature and/or the e-liquid temperature    -   processor in the device stores the quantity of e-liquid        remaining in, or provided by, each cartridge, as defined by the        unique identity for the cartridge.    -   processor in the device reads out from the chip the quantity of        e-liquid remaining in, or provided by, the cartridge and        compares that with its stored data for the quantity of e-liquid        remaining in, or provided by, that cartridge and prevents use of        that cartridge if the quantity of e-liquid remaining in, or        provided by, the cartridge, as declared by the chip, exceeds the        stored data for that cartridge, to make unauthorized re-filling        of the cartridge pointless.    -   the cartridge is not pressurized to a degree sufficient to expel        e-liquid.    -   the cartridge is filled with an inert gas at manufacture

We can generalise beyond an e-liquid cartridge to a liquid cartridge: Ancartridge designed to provide liquid for an electronic vaporiser system,the cartridge including a chip that stores and outputs (i) a uniqueidentity for the cartridge and (ii) data defining the liquid stored inthe cartridge, and the cartridge being adapted to be inserted into orform an integral part of the electronic vaporiser system.

Cartridge Feature 3: Cartridge with two apertures

Filling of an e-liquid cartridge or cartomiser on an automated orsemi-automated line conventionally requires a fine needle to puncture arubber seal to that cartridge or cartomiser; when the needle iswithdrawn, the rubber seal closes itself. This filling process needs tobe done carefully, and this adds to the cost of the process. Fillinglarge numbers of cartridges needs however to be done verycost-effectively and rapidly. In our system, we remove the need for aneedle to puncture a seal during the filing stage; instead the cartridgeis designed to have two apertures: one aperture is used for filing witha filing tube—there is no puncturing of a rubber seal. The other doeshave a rubber seal which is punctured, but only when the cartridge isinserted into the re-fill case. This approach reconciles the need forlow-cost, high speed filing with e-liquid on automated or semi-automatedmanufacturing lines with minimal adaptation with the need for reliablestorage of the e-liquid in the cartridge and reliable delivery of thee-liquid from the cartridge when inserted into the re-fill case.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An e-liquid cartridge designed to provide e-liquid for an electroniccigarette vaporiser, the cartridge including:

-   -   two apertures, the first aperture being used to fill the        cartridge on a filing line and then being covered with a bung or        plug or other form of seal and the second aperture being sealed        by a septum or other form of seal that is designed to be        penetrated or punctured by a needle or stem that, in use,        withdraws e-liquid from the cartridge.

Optional features:

-   -   a strip covers one or both apertures.    -   the strip is adhesive and tamper evident    -   the strip is pealed off by a user prior to use    -   alternatively, the strip does not need to be pealed off by a        user prior to use because it includes gap over the second        aperture that is large enough so that a filling needle or stem        can pass through that gap to extract e-liquid from the        cartridge, but is small enough to show any tampering to the        septum or other seal to the second aperture.    -   the apertures are in one face of the cartridge.    -   the cartridge is purged with an inert gas prior to filling with        e-liquid    -   the first aperture is sized to enable rapid filling with        e-liquid on an automated or semi-automated manufacturing line    -   the cartridge is not pressurized to a degree sufficient to expel        e-liquid.    -   the cartridge, in use, engages with a fluid transfer mechanism        that extracts e-liquid from the cartridge via the needle or stem        that penetrates the septum or seal covering the second aperture        in the cartridge.    -   the cartridge is adapted to be inserted into or attached to a        portable, personal storage and carrying case for an electronic        vaporiser and further adapted to engage with a fluid transfer        system in the case.    -   the cartridge is adapted to be inserted into or attached to an        electronic vaporiser and further adapted to engage with a fluid        transfer system in the vaporiser.    -   the cartridge includes an integral fluid transfer mechanism    -   the cartridge is no greater than 10 mL in capacity.

We can generalise beyond an e-liquid cartridge to a cartridge with anysort of liquid: A cartridge designed to provide liquid for a vaporiser,the cartridge including:

-   -   two apertures, the first aperture being used to fill the        cartridge on a filing line and then being covered with a bung or        plug or other form of seal and the second aperture being sealed        by a septum or other form of seal designed to be penetrated or        punctured by a needle or stem that, in use, withdraws liquid        from the cartridge.

Cartridge Feature 4: the cartridge stores the batch number of thee-liquid it is filled with and can be remotely disabled from usingspecific batch numbers

Product safety is vitally important in the e-cigarette and alsomedicines categories. Whilst every precaution is taken to ensure thatall e-liquids pass all applicable toxicology and other safety standards,it remains possible that contaminants might inadvertently be introduced,or that research will reveal that an ingredient previously thought safeis in fact potentially harmful. Because our cartridges store on a securechip data that identifies the specific batch number of e-liquid used,and a unique ID for that cartridge, and because they are designed towork with a connected vaporising system (i.e. one which can receive datafrom a remote server), we can remotely control, without any user inputneeded, the vaporizing system to not use any batch that is consideredpotentially harmful. For example, if a batch is identified aspotentially harmful, then we can send a signal from a server that isreceived by the app running on a user's smartphone, which in turn isused to send a message to the case with the affected batch number orunique IDs. The case can then store that batch number and/or unique IDsand then compare the batch number or unique IDs of every cartridgeinserted into the case with that stored number; where there is a match,then the case can disable or prevent use of that affected cartridge andalso write warning data onto the chip of that cartridge to prevent anyfurther use. A warning message can then be displayed on the case and theuser's smartphone alerting them that a different cartridge should beused instead.

The same approach can be applied to the date of manufacturing data heldon the cartridge chip: for example, the microcontroller in the case cancheck whether the date of manufacture is within required tolerance—forexample 6 months if the shelf life is 6 months and prevent use if thecartridge is older than 6 months.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser system including a cartridge designedto provide a liquid or other substance for the electronic vaporisersystem, the cartridge including a chip that stores data related to thebatch number of the substance stored in the cartridge, and the cartridgebeing adapted to be inserted into or form an integral part of theelectronic vaporiser system.

Optional features:

-   -   the electronic vaporiser system reads the data from the        cartridge chip and compares that data with stored data and,        depending on the result of that comparison, either prevents or        permits use of that substance.    -   the electronic vaporiser system prevents use of that substance        by preventing or not initiating use of a fluid transfer        mechanism that would otherwise transfer some of that substance        from the cartridge.    -   the electronic vaporiser system prevents use of that substance        by sending a signal to the chip that sets a flag or other marker        on the chip that, when read by the    -   the flag or marker disables or prevents the cartridge from        discharging any of the substance from the cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser system receives a wireless signal that        controls the disablement of a specific cartridge.    -   the electronic vaporiser system receives a wireless signal that        includes batch numbers that are defective or not to be used.    -   the wireless signal that controls the disablement of a specific        cartridge, batch number or range of batch numbers is sent from a        connected smartphone app or other personal device, which in turn        receives a wireless control signal from a remote control centre.    -   the data related to the batch number of the substance stored in        the cartridge is a number or other identifier that allows the        specific substance in the cartridge to be tracked back to its        manufacture.    -   the data related to the batch number of the substance stored in        the cartridge is a batch manufacture number    -   the data related to the batch number of the substance stored in        the cartridge is an ID, unique to that cartridge    -   the case or connected smartphone app or other personal device        stores the data related to the batch number for the cartridge        used or inserted into the electronic vaporiser system.    -   the cartridge is not pressurized to a degree sufficient to expel        any substance.    -   the cartridge is filled with an inert gas at manufacture    -   the cartridge, in use, engages with a fluid transfer mechanism        that extracts the substance from the cartridge    -   the substance is e-liquid.    -   the chip stores data related to the date of manufacture of the        substance stored in the cartridge and the system reads the date        data from the cartridge chip and either prevents or permits use        of that substance depending on that date.    -   the cartridge is adapted to be inserted into or attached to a        portable, personal storage and carrying case for an electronic        vaporiser and further adapted to engage with a fluid transfer        system in the case.    -   the cartridge is adapted to be inserted into or attached to an        electronic vaporiser and further adapted to engage with a fluid        transfer system in the vaporiser.    -   the cartridge includes an integral fluid transfer mechanism    -   cartridge is no larger than 10 mL in capacity.

We can further generalise the feature as a cartridge that forms part ofthe electronic vaporiser cigarette system as defined above.

PV Features 1-16

PV Feature 1: PV includes an air pressure valve: the PV includes an airpressure valve or device so that excess air can escape from an e-liquid‘child’ reservoir in the PV. The ‘child’ reservoir is the reservoir inthe PV that is directly filled by a ‘parent’ reservoir; the ‘parent’reservoir can be an e-liquid cartridge that is removable from the PV orcase. This child reservoir is designed to enable an atomizing coil unitto draw in controlled amounts of e-liquid for vaping; e-liquid in thesecondary child reservoir is typically wicked into the atomising coilunit.

So, to re-cap, the parent reservoir, typically a user-removable andreplaceable, sealed or closed e-liquid capsule or cartridge, perhaps ofcapacity 5 mL or 10 mL, is slotted into the PV or the re-fill/re-chargecase, and a fluid transfer mechanism operates to transfer e-liquid fromthe capsule or cartridge into the ‘child’ reservoir in the PV, typically2 mL or less (it is 0.2 mL in the illustrated implementation). Theheating coil unit is arranged to gradually wick or otherwise transfersome of the e-liquid up from the child reservoir in normal vapingoperation.

Air needs to escape from the child reservoir in the PV when thatreservoir is being filled under pressure with e-liquid, otherwiseexcessively high pressures can build up in the e-liquid in the childreservoir, which can lead to leakage as the e-liquid finds a way toescape via the atomising coil unit and hence out through the vapourinhalation apertures that are connected to the coil unit. Also, airneeds to enter into the child reservoir as e-liquid is consumed innormal use, since otherwise a partial vacuum would be created, whichwould tend to prevent or retard e-liquid in the child reservoirwicking/entering the atomising coil unit.

Also, if the ambient air pressure changes, for example in an aircraftwhere the ambient pressure can rapidly fall to significantly lower thansea-level atmospheric pressure, then the valve will operate to ensurethat the air pressure in the reservoir can rapidly and reliably equaliseto ambient air pressure in the aircraft cabin, again preventing leakagesof e-liquid from the PV.

Hence, the PV includes a valve that, for example, equalises the airpressure in the PV to ambient air pressure, or alters it to bring itcloser to ambient air pressure (‘normalising’) in order to preventleakage when filling the PV with e-liquid and to ensure correctoperation whilst the PV is consuming e-liquid.

The air-pressure valve or device could have no moving parts, but insteadbe a barrier made of an air-porous material, such as a sintered polymeror metal, coated with or otherwise including a barrier or layer of anair-porous substance that is not porous to e-liquid, such as anoleophobic material or a hydrophobic or super-hydrophobic material, forexample, PTFE or a suitable porous ceramic. The air-pressure valve ordevice could be positioned to allow air to flow out from the ‘child’reservoir. Equally, it will allow air to flow into the child reservoiras e-liquid is consumed and also as ambient pressure rises (e.g. as anaircraft descends from high altitude). Examples of suitable oleophobicmaterials are sintered phosphor bronze, sintered stainless steel andsintered PU plastic.

Where the vaporizer uses a conventional cotton wick and coil, then theair valve is separate from the wick. However, where a ceramic coil isused (typically a hollow ceramic wicking cylinder with an embeddedheating coil wound within the hollow core), then the ceramic materialitself acts as the air valve since the ceramic itself is air-permeable.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser that includes an air pressure valve ordevice to enable excess air to escape from an e-liquid reservoir in thevaporizer during pressurized filling of the vaporizer with e-liquid.

Other optional features:

-   -   the reservoir is a child reservoir and is filled by a parent        reservoir, the parent reservoir being a cartridge that is        removable from the vaporiser or a case that stores, re-fills and        re-charges the vaporiser.    -   the child reservoir supplies e-liquid designed to enable an        atomizing unit to draw in controlled amounts of e-liquid for        vaping.    -   the parent reservoir is a user-removable and replaceable, sealed        or closed e-liquid capsule or cartridge, of capacity 10 mL or        less, and is slotted into or otherwise used by the PV or a        portable re-fill/re-charge case for the PV, and a fluid transfer        mechanism operates to transfer e-liquid from the capsule or        cartridge into the child reservoir in the PV, of capacity 3 mL        or less.    -   vaporizer includes a ceramic cell (i.e. a ceramic atomizing        unit) and the air pressure device is the wall of the ceramic        cell.    -   The ceramic cell includes a cylindrical wicking cylinder with a        cylindrical bore and with an embedded heating coil wound within        the bore.    -   reservoir is a chamber arranged outside of the external wall of        the ceramic cell    -   the child reservoir includes (i) one or more small channels        and (ii) a second child reservoir fed by the small channel(s)        which surrounds the atomising unit and from which e-liquid is        drawn (e.g. by a wick or other porous member) into the atomising        unit (e.g. a heating coil inside an air chamber).    -   the valve or device permits air to enter into the child        reservoir in the vaporiser as liquid is consumed in normal use        by the vaporiser.    -   the valve or device permits air to enter into the child        reservoir if the ambient air pressure changes, for example in an        aircraft.    -   the valve or device is a barrier made of an air-porous material,        such as a sintered polymer or metal, coated with or otherwise        including a barrier or layer of an air-porous substance that is        not porous to e-liquid.    -   the barrier or layer of the air-porous substance that is not        porous to e-liquid is an oleophobic material or a hydrophobic or        super-hydrophobic material.    -   the valve or device in which the oleophobic material is one of:        sintered phosphor bronze, sintered stainless steel and sintered        PU plastic.    -   the air-porous substance is a PTFE membrane.    -   the PTFE membrane is compressively secured into an aperture that        is connected to an air passage that leads to the child        reservoir.    -   the valve or device is made of a porous ceramic material.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   vaporiser is automatically activated when it detects that it has        been withdrawn from a case that otherwise stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid under pressure into the vaporiser from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is filled with e-liquid using a        piezo-electric pump

PV Feature 2: PV includes a mechanical valve that is pushed up from itsseat when filling takes place: The PV includes a mechanical valve thatopens when the PV is being filled—for example, a nozzle or stem from there-fill case or cartridge is inserted into an e-liquid filling aperturein the PV (or as the PV is inserted into the re-fill case or cartridge)for filling the PV with e-liquid. This causes the valve, situated justbehind the e-filling aperture, to be pushed open or rise up from itsseat, moving against the bias force of a small spring, so that e-liquidcan freely flow through the nozzle or stem into a child reservoir in thePV.

When the nozzle or stem is withdrawn (e.g. the PV is withdrawn from there-fill case or the filling cartridge or capsule withdrawn from itsfilling position in the PV where that capsule fits directly into the PVand there is no separate re-fill and re-charge case) then the valveautomatically closes by resting back on its seat.

Hence, when the PV is not being actively filled with e-liquid, forexample, it is being held for vaping, or is stored in a bag, the valveis fully closed and this prevents any e-liquid in the ‘child reservoir’in the PV from leaking out into the user's mouth. The child reservoirhere includes a feed pipe that leads into a second child reservoir whichsurrounds the atomising unit and from which e-liquid is drawn (e.g. by awick or other porous member) into the atomising chamber (e.g. a heatingcoil inside an air chamber).

Once the PV is withdrawn from the case, or the stem from the filling‘parent’ reservoir is withdrawn from the PV, then the valve sits backdown under the biasing force of a small spring and the valve thenre-seals against its seat, preventing leakage of any e-fluid out fromthe child reservoir in the PV. Ensuring that there is no leakage fromthe e-liquid filling process is especially important if the fillingnozzle or aperture in the PV is at the same end as the inhalationnozzles, but this solution applies irrespective of where the fillingnozzle or aperture is located.

The stem or nozzle that protrudes from the removable cartridge or otherform of parent reservoir, or is connected to the cartridge via amicro-pump, engages with the valve in the PV to push it off its seat andalso passes through a duckbill valve or a series of two or more duckbillvalves; when the stem or nozzle is withdrawn then the duckbill wipes anydroplets of e-juice from the stem, ensuring that those droplets are notdeposited on any surface from where they could be ingested by the useror leak out from the PV, but are instead retained in a cavity in the PVbehind the duckbill valve.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

A electronic cigarette vaporiser that includes a mechanical valve thatis (i) pushed up from its seat to enable automatic filling of thevaporiser with e-liquid from a fluid transfer mechanism and (ii) returnsto seal against its seat at other times when the vaporiser is beingvaped or inhaled from (e.g. when filling is complete).

Other optional features:

-   -   a nozzle or stem from an e-liquid filling device, such as a        re-fill case or removable cartridge, is inserted into the PV for        filling the PV with e-liquid and this causes the valve to be        pushed open or rise up from its seat, moving against the bias        force of a small coil spring or other biasing device, so that        e-liquid can freely flow from the e-liquid filling device        through the nozzle or stem into a child reservoir in the PV.    -   the e-liquid filling device is a re-fill case or removable        e-liquid cartridge.    -   when the nozzle or stem is withdrawn then the valve        automatically closes by resting back on its seat.    -   a child reservoir in the PV is filled when the valve is open and        a fluid transfer mechanism pumps e-liquid into the PV.    -   the child reservoir includes a feed pipe that leads into a        second child reservoir which surrounds an atomising unit and        from which e-liquid is drawn (e.g. by a wick or other porous        member, such as a ceramic cell) into the atomising unit (e.g. a        heating element inside an air chamber).    -   the stem or nozzle in the re-fill case or cartridge and that        engages with the valve in the PV to push it off its seat, passes        through a duckbill valve or a series of two or more duckbill        valves; when the PV is withdrawn away from the stem or nozzle        then the duckbill wipes any droplets of e-liquid from the stem        or nozzle, ensuring that those droplets are not deposited on any        surface from where they could be ingested by the user, but are        instead retained in a cavity in the PV behind the duckbill        valve.    -   the stem or nozzle in the re-fill case or cartridge etc. and        that engages with the valve in the PV to push it off its seat        includes a stop valve to shut off any e-liquid when the        vaporiser is withdrawn from the stem or nozzle.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that stores the        vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is filled with e-liquid using a        piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism

PV Feature 3: PV or case has an IMU: The PV includes an IMU (inertialmeasurement unit) to detect when it is being lifted up and out of thecase so it can start heating (e.g. activate the atomising coil); it canalso tell if it is left on a table and so can power down.Movement-related data can be stored and uploaded to a server (forexample, sent over Bluetooth to the user's connected smartphone, whichin turn sends it to the server). Movement data can be combined with datafrom the pressure activated sensor or switch that detects an inhalation.This data can be useful since it shows how the PV is being used, theduration of a vaping session etc. Fully instrumenting the vaporiser inthis way, including tracking the time of day of all events, generatesdata that could be very powerful for scientists and regulators seekingto better understand how these products are being used, as well as toenable designers to improve the system.

The case also senses its movements using an IMU or accelerometer; thecase and the e-cig PV also have capacitive sensors to check if one orboth of them are actually in the user's hand. This allows the case tosafely update the PV firmware by detecting that it is not in the user'shand and laying still, therefore the PV is not going to be removed whichmay corrupt the firmware. This also allows the case to stop anyrefilling process if it is upside down.

Also, based on the information gathered from device sensors we cancalculate users' activity patterns and use it in different use-cases,such as firmware updates, or indicating battery and liquid levels withLEDs on the front device panel.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser that includes an IMU (inertialmeasurement unit).

Other optional features:

-   -   the IMU enables the vaporiser to detect when it is being lifted        up and out of a case in which it has been stored so that it can        change state.    -   the change of state is to turn on.    -   the change of state also includes to start heating an atomising        element.    -   the data from the IMU enables the vaporiser to tell if it is not        being used (e.g. has just been left on a table) and so can power        down.    -   movement data from the IMU is combined with data from a pressure        activated sensor or switch in the vaporiser that detects an        inhalation.    -   the time of day of all events, including movement events, is        recorded.    -   data collected by the vaporiser is sent from the vaporiser for        external storage.    -   the external storage is a memory in a case in which the        vaporiser is stored.    -   the electronic vaporiser includes data transfer contact(s) that        engage with data transfer contact(s) in the case.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise        stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism

Another feature is an electronic vaporiser case that includes an IMU(inertial measurement unit) to detect when it is being handled.

PV Feature 4: The PV includes a touch sensor: The PV and/or the case cansense when you are touching it—e.g. with a capacitive sensor. It can beprogrammed to detect specific touch inputs and control the PVaccordingly. For example, the touch inputs are not merely to eitheractivate or de-activate the PV, but more sophisticated actions as well.For example, tap twice on the body of the PV to bring it up to heat; tapthree times to put it to sleep. Or the PV could detect when it is heldby at least two fingers, and then automatically turn on and startheating. The sensor could detect a touch control input anywhere on thePV, or at a specific region. Using a capacitive sensor removes the needfor a discrete button. A touch input detected on the case can turn thedisplay panel on the case on. Specific touch inputs can activatepre-heating of the PV stored in the case, or can (where the case doesnot include the manually hinged holder but some other design to enablethe PV to withdraw or be withdrawn from the case) cause the PV to extendfrom the case or to be otherwise revealed or made accessible. All touchdata can be stored and uploaded to a server (for example, sent overBluetooth to user's the connected smartphone, which in turn sends it tothe server). This data can be useful since it shows how the PV is beingused, the duration of a vaping session etc. Using a touch sensor insteadof physical push buttons enables the PV and/or case to be sleek andsimple, not dissimilar to a conventional cigarette and its pack.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser system that includes a touch sensorand is programmed to detect specific multiple different kinds of touchinputs and to control the PV accordingly, and the touch sensor isincluded on a vaporiser and/or a case for the vaporiser.

Other optional features:

-   -   the touch inputs include one or more of the following: activate        or de-activate the vaporiser; turn on or off lights on the        vaporiser (these can indicate the amount of e-liquid consumed);        dim the lights on the vaporiser; alter the colours of the lights        on the vaporiser; alter the power delivered to the heating        element.    -   the touch inputs include tapping a defined one or more times;        moving a finger or fingers along a surface of the vaporiser or        the case in defined pattern or gesture.    -   the PV detects when it is held by at least two fingers, and then        automatically turns on the main circuitry (i.e. the circuitry        other than that needed for touch sensing) and may also starts        heating.    -   all touch inputs to the vaporiser generate touch data that is        stored in the vaporiser and then sent for external storage    -   the external storage is a memory in a case in which the        vaporiser is stored.    -   the electronic vaporiser includes data transfer contact(s) that        engage with data transfer contact(s) in the case    -   the touch data is sent over short range wireless (e.g.        Bluetooth) to the user's connected smartphone, which in turn        sends it to the server.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no push-type control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise        stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism    -   if the case detects that it is touched, then it can activate a        display panel on the case

PV Feature 5: ‘z’ wick coil

Designing a specific shape of wick and coil that is both effective andalso fast to manufacture is not straightforward. One design uses a ‘z’shaped wick.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

A wick and coil assembly for a PV electronic cigarette vaporiser, inwhich the wick has a body around which is arranged a heating element,and in which:

-   (a) the body is arranged longitudinally along the long axis of the    PV electronic vaporiser in a vapourising chamber to interrupt the    air flow path through that chamber;-   (b) one end of the wick includes an end section, angled with respect    to the body, and protruding into an e-liquid reservoir;-   (c) the other end of the wick includes an end section, angled with    respect to the body, and protruding into an e-liquid reservoir.

Other optional features:

-   -   one or both end sections of the wick are perpendicular to the        body of the wick.    -   each end sections points in a different direction.    -   each end section points in the same direction.    -   a heating coil is wound around the body of the wick.    -   the assembly is positioned within a tube and the tube forms the        inner surface of an e-liquid reservoir.    -   the e-liquid reservoir is fed by a user-replaceable cartridge.    -   the wick is cotton.    -   the wick is made of a porous ceramic.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism

PV Feature 6: PV with replaceable wick and coil: the atomizing unit maylast less time than the other components in the vaporiser, especially ifit uses a cotton wick. It is very useful to be able to replace the tipthat includes the atomizing coil with a new atomizing tip.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser that is not dis-assembled for fillingwith e-liquid, but is instead filled from a user-replaceable e-liquidcartridge;

-   -   and in which the vaporiser includes a front section comprising a        wick and heating assembly but no e-liquid cartridge, the front        section being removably fitted to a body of the vaporiser to        enable a replacement front section to be used, for example once        the original wick or heating element starts to degrade, that        replacement front section being supplied to the end-user with no        e-liquid in it.

Optional features include:

-   -   front section magnetically latches onto the body of the        vaporiser.    -   front section press-fits onto the body of the vaporiser.    -   front section screws onto the body of the vaporiser.    -   wick includes cotton material    -   wick includes ceramic material    -   ceramic material is a ceramic cell, with a heating element        inside the ceramic cell    -   the front section includes an opening or channel or pipe that        connects with or joins with an opening or channel or pipe in the        body of the vaporiser and through which e-liquid passes.    -   degradation of the heating element is automatically detected by        an electronics module that monitors electrical characteristics        of the heating element and determines if those characteristics        are associated with degradation of the heating element.    -   the electrical characteristics are the resistance of the heating        element.    -   the electronics module generates a signal indicating that the        front section should be changed if degradation of the heating        element is detected.    -   a micro-pump operates to drain e-liquid from the wick and        heating assembly if the front section is to be removed from the        body of the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise        stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism

PV Feature 7: Pulsed power to the coil

Pulse Width Modulation of the coil current is used. PWM is generated bythe MCU (microcontroller unit) in the PV and goes to the power switchthat commutates current across the coil. On receiving a signal from thepressure sensor indicating inhalation, the MCU starts to generate PWMsignals with a maximum duty cycle to heat the coil as fast as possibleand then it will be decreased to maintain coil temperature in theworking range according to pre-mapped temperature calculations stored inthe MCU.

PWM changes from approximately 90% to 1-10% duty cycle for preheat and0% when idle.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser that includes a heating element, apower source and an electronics module that manages the delivery ofpower, current or voltage to the heating element, in which theelectronics module controls or delivers pulses of power, current orvoltage to the heating element.

Other optional features:

-   -   pulse is PWM.    -   pulses are delivered at high switching frequency.    -   high switching frequency is 1-10 KHz.    -   PWM changes from approximately 90% to 1-10% duty cycle for        preheat and 0% when idle.    -   pulses extend the battery life of the vaporiser.    -   power current or voltage is controlled or shaped to minimize the        production or release of potentially harmful substances.    -   pulses control the temperature of the heating element to        minimize the production or release of potentially harmful        substances by the vaporiser.    -   heating element temperature is estimated from the resistance of        the heating element.    -   PWM control is used to implement discrete mode vaping (see Case        Feature 2), i.e. to reduce the amount of vapour produced by the        vaporiser compared to a normal mode.    -   PWM control is used to implement power mode vaping (see Case        Feature 3), i.e. to increase the amount of vapour produced by        the vaporiser compared to a normal mode, whilst monitoring the        heating element temperature of the vaporiser to ensure that        excessively high temperatures, associated with undesirable        compounds in the vapour, are not reached.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise        stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism

PV Feature 8: Detecting coil degradation

If the coil resistance will be higher than some limit we can say thatthe coil needs to be replaced. Large fluctuations in coil resistancewill be treated like a coil malfunction (an may be due to a bad contactfor example).

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser that includes a heating element andfurther includes or co-operates with an electronics module that (i)detects characteristics of the delivery of power, current or voltage tothe heating element and (ii) determines if those characteristics areassociated with degradation of the heating element.

Other optional features:

-   -   a characteristic that is associated with degradation of the        heating element is an increase in the heating element resistance    -   the heating element resistance is established by the electronics        module sending a test current through the heating element that        is sufficient to enable a measurement of resistance to be made    -   the test current is set at a level or a duration that the        temperature of the heating element is not raised to a vaping        temperature of for example 130 degrees C.    -   if the electronics module measures a very large resistance of        the heating element, above a preset threshold, then that is        indicative of a defective heating element    -   the electronics module stores a record of the measured        characteristics and determines if those stored records indicate        fluctuations that are indicative of degradation of the heating        element.    -   The electronics module generates a signal indicating that the        heating element should be replaced.    -   The signal causes a visual indication to be given on the        vaporiser and/or a case into which the vaporiser is stored        and/or a device that is wirelessly connected to the case.    -   vaporiser includes the power source and the electronics module.    -   vaporiser is stored in a case that includes the power source and        electronics module.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise        stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism

PV Feature 9: Estimating coil temperature

Since the system uses a microcontroller MCU to control the overall coilheating process, we can use its calculating capabilities to obtain thecoil temperature by indirect methods using this MCU. Most of electronicvaporisers on the market have no control over the coil temperature.Problems arise, such as:

-   -   boiling of the e-liquid, with hot drops bursting out of the        mouthpiece,    -   coil overheating due to low liquid level, which leads to        high-toxicity fumes

In our system, the MCU measures or infers the coil temperature in theelectronic vaporiser via the coil resistance control. It is a much moreaccurate method because there is no thermal resistance between the coiland the temperature sensor.

Our measurement technique relies on the linear approximation of thedependence of resistance on temperature in the range from 50 to 200° C.So the MCU directly measures current and voltage delivered to the coil;it calculates coil resistance from this data. We have empirically mappedresistance to temperature for various coil/atomizing combinations. Forexample, in our laboratory experiments we obtained the empiricalequation for the coil resistance R(T)=−1.714*T+1.68 using a KangerTech1.5 Ohm coil.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser PV that includes a heating element andfurther includes or co-operates with an electronics module that (i)detects characteristics of the resistance of the heating element and(ii) uses an inference of temperature derived from that resistance as acontrol input.

Other optional features:

-   -   the temperature of the heating element is inferred from data        stored in the electronics module that has been empirically        obtained for a specific heating element design.    -   the electronics module controls the power delivered to the        heating element to ensure that it is no higher than        approximately 130° C., plus an error tolerance.    -   the electronics module controls the power delivered using the        resistance measurement and does not calculate any derived        temperature.    -   the electronics module applies multiple techniques designed to        ensure the heating element is at its optimal heating        temperature, including estimating heating element resistance,        and weights the signals from each technique.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise        stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism

PV Feature 10: Monitoring each inhalation to measure e-liquidconsumption and heating coil degradation

The electronics module also allows the PV to count each and every drawfrom the electronic vaporiser. The PV includes a conventional pressuresensor to determine when the user starts and stops inhalation. The MCUcounts these start and stop events and measures the time between them.This ‘draw’ or ‘inhalation’ time will be used in calculating thee-liquid consumption.

The PV can also estimate when and if the coil needs to be cleaned orreplaced with a new one since we can estimate the number of draws a coilshould achieve. Also this vape or inhalation counting allows us toestimate the liquid level in the PV since each inhalation will use anamount of e-liquid we can approximate or guess; we can alter thatapproximation in light of feedback from other parts of the system, forexample we know quite accurately how much e-liquid is delivered to thePV on its next filling cycle since the piezo pump delivers a preciseamount of e-liquid for each pumping action and the MCU tracks the numberof pumping actions needed to fill the PV each time. So we can use thisinformation from the case to know how much e-liquid was injected to thePV.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser that includes a heating element, anair pressure sensor and a microcontroller; in which the microcontrollerstores, processes or determines the extent of each inhalation usingsignals from the air pressure sensor.

Other optional features:

-   -   the microcontroller calculates approximate e-liquid consumption        from the extent of each inhalation or provides data that enables        an external processor to calculate approximate e-liquid        consumption.    -   the microcontroller calculates when and if the heating element        needs to be cleaned or replaced based on the number and/or        extent of the inhalations made, or provides data that enables an        external processor to make this calculation.    -   the microcontroller calculates the approximate quantity of        e-liquid left in the vaporiser based on the calculated        approximate e-liquid consumption.    -   the microcontroller calculates approximate quantity of e-liquid        left in the vaporiser based on the calculated approximate        e-liquid consumption and also using data from other elements in        the vaporiser or the case that re-fills the vaporiser.    -   the extent of an inhalation is a function of one or more of:        duration; peak flow rate; average flow rate    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise        stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism

PV Feature 11: Monitoring the coil characteristics to identity the typeof coil.

It is useful to be able to identify automatically the type of coil (e.g.material of the heating wire, other characteristics) since differenttypes of coil may have different optimal and also maximum safetemperatures, and may react differently to the pulsed power techniquedescribed above.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser that includes a heating element and amicrocontroller; in which the microcontroller monitors or measureselectrical characteristics of the heating element and uses that toautomatically identify the type of heating element and as a controlinput.

Other optional features:

-   -   the vaporiser is operable to use different types of heating        element, with different electrical characteristics.    -   the vaporiser stores a record of different values or profiles of        electrical characteristics and the type of heating element        associated with each value or profile and can then compare any        monitored or measured electrical characteristics with that        record to determine the likely type of heating element that is        present in the vaporiser.    -   the electrical characteristics are monitored or measured by        passing a current through the element which is not sufficient to        heat the heating element to its operating temperature.    -   the electrical characteristics include the resistance of the        heating element.    -   the microcontroller automatically applies different heating        parameter controls, including optimal and maximum operating        temperature, depending on the type of heating element that is        identified.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise        stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism

PV Feature 12: Monitoring external or ambient temperature to ensure thecoil is at optimal operating temperature

Conventional electronic vaporisers can perform poorly in cold conditions(e.g. below 0° C.) because the coil works at below its optimal operatingtemperature. We include a temperature measuring sensor in the PV or casewhich measures ambient temperature and controls the power delivered tothe coil to take into account the ambient temperature—e.g. increasingpower when it is very cold.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser that includes a heating element and amicrocontroller; in which the microcontroller monitors or measures oruses data relating to external or ambient temperature and uses that as acontrol input.

Other optional features:

-   -   the control input automatically controls the power delivered to        the heating element to ensure that the heating element operates        at its optimal temperature.    -   where ambient temperatures are monitored or measured as very        cold, then the power to the heating element is automatically        increased to compensate.    -   where ambient temperatures are monitored or measured as very        cold, then a pre-heat function is automatically operated prior        to the first inhalation to bring the heating element to it's        optimal temperature.    -   the vaporiser includes or co-operates with an electronics module        that (i) detects characteristics of the resistance of the        heating element and (ii) uses an inference of temperature        derived from that resistance as a control input.    -   the temperature of the heating element is inferred from data        stored in the electronics module that has been empirically        obtained for a specific heating element design.    -   the microcontroller applies multiple techniques designed to        ensure the heating element is at its optimal heating        temperature, including estimating coil resistance, and weights        the signals from each technique.    -   the electronics module controls the power delivered using the        resistance measurement and does not calculate any derived        temperature.    -   the electronics module controls the power delivered to the        heating element to ensure that it is no higher than        approximately 130° C., plus an error tolerance.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise        stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism    -   the electronic vaporiser includes a temperature measuring sensor        for measuring ambient temperature.    -   the electronic vaporiser receives data or a control signal from        a temperature measuring sensor in a case for the vaporiser.

PV Feature 13: Monitoring airflow to ensure the coil is at optimaloperating temperature

Conventional electronic vaporisers include an air-pressure sensor thatacts as a simple switch: when air passes over the sensor, the systemassumes the user is inhaling and then immediately applies power to theheating coil. A very strong inhalation can however lead to the coilcooling down compared to a very mild inhalation. We detect the airflowspeed or pressure drop over the air-pressure sensor and use that as aninput to the microcontroller that controls the power delivered to theheating coil. We can therefore compensate for a very strong inhalationby applying more power during that inhalation as compared to a verylight inhalation. This ensures that the heating coil is kept at itsoptimal heating temperature. This technique can be combined with othertechniques designed to ensure the coil is at its optimal heatingtemperature, such as estimating coil resistance (which has beenempirically mapped to coil temperature).

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser that includes a heating element and amicrocontroller; in which the microcontroller monitors or measures theairflow speed or pressure drop over an air-pressure sensor or othersensor and uses that as an input to control the power delivered to theheating element.

Other optional features:

-   -   the microcontroller compensates for a very strong inhalation by        applying more power during that inhalation as compared to a very        light inhalation.    -   the microcontroller controls the power to ensure that the        heating element is kept at its optimal heating temperature.    -   the vaporiser includes or co-operates with an electronics module        that (i) detects characteristics of the resistance of the        heating element and (ii) uses an inference of temperature        derived from that resistance as a control input.    -   the temperature of the heating element is inferred from data        stored in the electronics module that has been empirically        obtained for a specific heating element design.    -   the microcontroller applies multiple techniques designed to        ensure the heating element is at its optimal heating        temperature, including estimating heating element resistance,        and weights the signals from each technique.    -   the electronics module controls the power delivered using the        resistance measurement and does not calculate any derived        temperature.    -   the electronics module controls the power delivered to the        heating element to ensure that it is no higher than        approximately 130° C., plus an error tolerance.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drug        delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise        stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism

PV Feature 14: Using data from the cartridge that defines the type ofe-liquid to control the heating of the coil

Different e-liquids have different optimal temperatures for vaping; forexample, the water content can have a significant impact on the optimaland maximum temperatures the heating coil should reach for the bestflavor and also to ensure that there is no significant risk of harmfulproducts in the vapour. Conventional electronic vaporisers cannotautomatically vary the temperature reached by their heating coils totake this into account. Our system can.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser that includes a heating element forheating an e-liquid and a microcontroller; in which the microcontrollerdetermines the type and/or characteristics of the e-liquid being usedand uses that as an input to automatically control the power deliveredto the heating element to heat the e-liquid in a manner suitable forthat specific type of e-liquid, or e-liquid with those characteristics.

Other optional features:

-   -   the e-liquid is supplied from a cartridge and that cartridge        includes a record of the type of e-liquid stored in the        cartridge and/or its characteristics and the microcontroller        reads that record or is provided data from that record.    -   the cartridge includes a memory that stores the type of e-liquid        the cartridge has been filled with and/or its characteristics        and the vaporiser or a case into which the cartridge is inserted        can read-off that data from the memory.    -   a variable for the type of e-liquid is the water content of the        substance    -   the vaporiser includes or co-operates with an electronics module        that (i) detects characteristics of the resistance of the        heating element and (ii) uses an inference of temperature        derived from that resistance as a control input.    -   the temperature of the heating element is inferred from data        stored in the electronics module that has been empirically        obtained for a specific heating element design.    -   the electronics module applies multiple techniques designed to        ensure the heating element is at its optimal heating        temperature, including estimating coil resistance, and weights        the signals from each technique.    -   the electronics module controls the power delivered using the        resistance measurement and does not calculate any derived        temperature.    -   the electronics module controls the power delivered to the        heating element to ensure that it is no higher than        approximately 130° C., plus an error tolerance.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system and the        substance is an e-liquid.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is a medicinally approved        nicotine drug delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a        cigarette and includes no control buttons    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise        stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular        cross-section with rounded corners and includes a long PCB        inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser    -   the electronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the cartridge stores a record of the type of substance it stores        and/or its characteristics on a chip and the vaporiser reads        that chip or is provided data from that chip.    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism

PV Feature 15: The PV has a squircle cross-section

As noted earlier, the PV is the approximate same size as an ordinarycigarette, approximately 10 cm in length and 1 cm in width. Thecross-section is square, with rounded corners: this shape enables along, rectangular circuit board to be included (a ‘squircle’) in the PVand gives more design freedom for the placement of that PCB: if the PVcasing was circular, then the PCB would, if long, likely have to bemounted exactly across a diameter, and that would leave little room fora battery. So the square cross-section is a much better shape if a longPCB and battery is to be included inside the casing. Also the PVincludes a narrow pipe to transport e-liquid from the filling end to thereservoir around the heating element; this pipe can be accommodated inthe corner of the PV casing. Finally, the outer casing of the PVincludes a series of small LEDs that be lit to show the amount ofe-liquid that has been consumed, for example, mimicking the reducinglength of a cigarette as it burns down—hence, with a full reservoir ofe-liquid, the entire row of perhaps 5 or 6 LEDs would be illuminated;progressively fewer LEDs are lit as vaping progresses, until only theLED closest to the user's mouth is illuminated. The LEDs are mounted ona very narrow circuit board: this is cheaper if it is flat since thateases SMT (surface mount technology) manufacture of the LEDs on the PCB.It is also easier to fix a flat PCB against the flat surface of the PV,as opposed to a circular surface. The square-profiled tube with roundedcorners is hence an effective shape for including these variouselements.

We can generalise this feature as follows:

An electronic cigarette vaporiser that is the same approximate size as acigarette and has a square or rectangular cross-section with roundedcorners and includes a long PCB inserted lengthwise into the vaporiser.

Optional features:

-   -   the PCB is not mounted at the mid-point of the cross-section,        but at a different position closer to a major face of the        vaporiser to permit more room for a rechargeable battery    -   the PCB is mounted close and running parallel to a main face of        the vaporiser    -   the cross-section is a squircle    -   the vaporiser includes a narrow pipe to transport e-liquid from        the filling end to the reservoir around the heating element and        this pipe runs along one internal corner of the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is an e-cigarette system and the        substance is an e-liquid.    -   the electronic vaporiser system is a medicinally approved        nicotine drug delivery system.    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size and shape        as a cigarette    -   the electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size and shape        as a cigarette and that vaporiser includes no control buttons.    -   the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when it        detects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise        stores the vaporiser.    -   the electronic vaporiser is only re-fillable from a        user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser from a user-replaceable closed,        e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is, connected to, and filled with,        e-liquid using a piezo-electric pump fluid transfer mechanism    -   the electronic vaporiser is fillable only from a        user-replaceable e-liquid cartridge    -   the electronic vaporiser is refillable with e-liquid only when        inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into a re-fill        case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfer        e-liquid into the vaporiser

PV Feature 16: Silicone caps to the ceramic cell

Heating elements are usually mass-manufactured by a company thatspecializes in making just these units; the fully assembled units arethen supplied to the company manufacturing the vaporizer. The units arethen inserted into the main body of the vaporizer on a manufacturingline. In order to minimize leakage of e-liquid from around the edge ofthe unit, it is normal for their mass-manufacturer to supply themwrapped in a thin layer of cotton material. This provides a seal aroundthe unit, but the seal is not that effective, especially when thee-liquid is supplied under pressure, because the cotton becomessaturated quickly and then ceases to prevent leakage. The consequence isthat the conventional design of a heating element wrapped in cotton isnot satisfactory for our purposes.

Instead of cotton material, we provide a pair of silicone end-caps thatfit over each end of the heating unit; the heating unit with itssilicone end caps can then be press-fitted inside the body of thevaporizer; the silicone forms a tight seal around the unit and preventsunwanted leakage, even when e-liquid is being pumped into the reservoirsurrounding the heating unit under pressure.

This approach is especially useful when a ceramic heating unit is used.

We can generalise as follows:

A heating or atomising unit for an electronic cigarette vaporiser, inwhich the unit includes a protective elastomer wall or barrierconfigured to enable (i) the unit to fit inside a body in the vaporizerand to prevent leakage around the outside of the unit whilst e-liquid isbeing supplied under pressure to a reservoir surrounding the unit and(ii) e-liquid to pass from the e-liquid reservoir outside of the unitand into the unit.

Optional features include:

-   -   the unit is a ceramic cell    -   the ceramic cell is cylindrical    -   the protective elastomer wall or barrier is a pair of end caps        that fit over each end of the unit    -   a gap is formed between each end cap through which e-liquid can        pass to reach the outer surface of the ceramic cell and then        pass through the ceramic and into the atomizing chamber in the        cell (where there is a heating element).    -   a cotton material is placed in the gap    -   The elastomer is chosen to have one or more (and preferably all)        of the following properties: (i) form an effective seal around        the ceramic unit; (ii) withstand high temperatures (e.g. in        excess of 200 degrees C. or higher); (iii) will not introduce        any toxic compounds into the e-liquid and (iv) is easy to mould        around the unit    -   The elastomer is thermally insulating.    -   The elastomer is silicone    -   The elastomer is a rubber    -   The unit is generally cylindrical and the elastomer forms a thin        wall or barrier around the curved surface of the cylinder    -   The elastomer forms a thin wall or barrier around one or both        ends of the unit    -   The unit is a ceramic heating unit    -   The ceramic heating unit includes a cylindrical ceramic wicking        material with a central, hollow bore, with a heating element        formed around the central bore.    -   The unit is manufactured using an insert molding manufacture        process    -   The unit is dropped into a round tool that is about 1 mm in        radius greater than the radius of the unit and the elastomer is        poured into the gap to form the wall or barrier    -   e-liquid passage holes are formed in the wall or the barrier at        locations in the wall or barrier designed to provide controlled        delivery of e-liquid

Another feature is an electronic cigarette vaporizer including a heatingor atomising unit as defined above.

Note: for each of the generalisations given above, we have focused on anelectronic cigarette vaporiser. It would be possible in each case togeneralise further to an electronic vaporiser—i.e. a vaporiser that isnot limited to enable nicotine to be inhaled, but other substances,including medicines.

Miscellaneous features

In this section, we list various miscellaneous features that are presentin the vaping system.

Misc. 1: The PV includes an oleophobic barrier separating the vaporisingchamber from the portion of the PV containing the electronics andbattery: The PV includes a washer or other form of barrier that permitsair to pass but not e-liquid; the barrier separates the portion of thePV including the battery and the electronics from the portion of the PVwhich e-liquid or vapour comes into contact with. The washer/barriercould have no moving parts, but instead be made of an air-porousmaterial, such as a sintered polymer or metal, coated with or otherwiseincluding a layer or barrier of a substance that is air-porous but notporous to e-liquid, such as an oleophobic material or a hydrophobic orsuper-hydrophobic material. Examples of suitable oleophobic materialsare sintered phosphor bronze, sintered stainless steel, sintered PUplastic.

Misc. 2: PV has replaceable covers: The PV includes a user replaceablecover to enable customizing of the appearance of the PV. The cover maybe a clip on cover.

Misc 3: PV magnetically latches in the case. The PV, or the chassis thatholds the PV in the case, is magnetically latched into the case (e.g.one or more magnets are placed somewhere on the PV or the chassis sothat the charging and/or data contacts on the PV latch reliably to theircorresponding contacts in the case). For example, a small neodymiummagnet in the case and a matching magnet or metal item in the PV (orvice versa) ensure that, when the PV is nearly fully inserted into thecase, the PV is drawn in the rest of the way to a secure, finalposition, which is also the position needed for fluid transfer from aparent e-liquid reservoir (e.g. the e-liquid cartridge that slots intothe case) to a child reservoir in the PV.

The charging and data transfer contacts in the PV and the case areoptimally and securely positioned in contact with one another. Themagnets stop the PV from falling out of the case if the case is tippedupside down and also eliminate contact bounce—i.e. when the PV isdropped into the case. Furthermore, they ensure that the fluid transfermechanism is correctly positioned (e.g. the filling aperture or nozzlein the PV is correctly lined up with the filling stem or nozzle from thecartridge or other form of parent reservoir). In one implementation, oneor more small magnets near to the battery and data contacts ensure thatthe corresponding battery and the data contacts in the PV and casemagnetically latch to one another when the PV is fully inserted into thecase or the chassis part of the case that holds the PV; the magnets donot need to be placed near to the contacts but can be positionedanywhere suitable, for example, either at one end of the PV, oralternatively are positioned somewhere along the main body of the PV.

Whilst magnetically securing the charging contacts in a PV against thepower electrodes in a charging case is known, it is not known to usemagnetic latching to ensure that not only are the power contactscorrectly and reliably positioned in relation to each other, but so alsoare the data contacts and the fluid transfer mechanism. Magneticlatching can be applied to any one or more of the following: the powercontacts, the data contacts, the fluid transfer mechanism. When applieddirectly to say just the power contacts (e.g. only the power electrodeshave adjacent magnets), then the data contacts and the fluid transfermechanism can be taken into correct alignment anyway, so it is notnecessary to have multiple magnets in the PV or case.

Equally, a small neodymium magnet in the case and a matching magnet ormetal item in the hinged chassis described earlier (or vice versa)ensure that, when the chassis is nearly fully closed, the chassis isdrawn in the rest of the way to a secure, final position, which is alsothe position needed for fluid transfer from a parent e-liquid reservoir(e.g. the e-liquid cartridge that slots into the case) to a childreservoir in the PV. This again eliminates contact bounce, gives a goodtactile feel to closing the chassis into the case, and ensures that thepower and data connections are properly aligned.

Misc. 4: The replaceable tip of the PV includes its own integralatomising heating element and is separable from the e-juice reservoir inthe PV. (Cartomizers could be said to include a replaceable tip with aheating element, but they include the e-juice reservoir).

Misc. 5: PV has a heated nozzle: Those parts of the PV (especially thenozzle) on which e-liquid vapour might otherwise condense if those partsof the nozzle were cold, are heated using e.g. an electrical heatingelement. Condensation of the e-liquid vapour on internal components ofthe PV is a problem if those condensed droplets can trickle into theuser's mouth. If those components are heated (e.g. using an electricalheating coil in thermal connection with the component(s)), then thepossibility of condensation forming can be reduced. Heating thecomponents can also be used to warm the e-liquid vapour to a desiredtemperature; this is especially useful if atomisation of the e-liquidarises using a non-heating system, such as ultrasonic atomisation usingpiezo-electric or other form of droplet-on-demand system.

Misc. 6 The cartridge includes a piezo-electric pump to transfer smallbut accurately and reliably metered quantities of e-liquid: thepiezo-electric pump can be used as the fluid transfer mechanism totransfer e-liquid from the cartridge or parent reservoir into the childreservoir in the PV. It can also be used in reverse to suck back out anyresidual e-liquid in the PV. Because the amounts delivered can beaccurately metered, this means that the PV (or case or associatedapplication running on a Smartphone) can accurately determine the totalconsumption of e-liquid and/or the amount of e-liquid remaining in acartridge and also in the PV itself. This in turn can be used in theautomatic re-ordering function—for example, when the system knows thatthe cartridge is down to its last 20% by volume of e-liquid, then theapp running on the user's smartphone can prompt the user with a messageasking if the user would like to order a replacement cartridge orcartridges. Low-cost piezo-electric pumps used ordinarily for deliveringink in an inkjet printer may be used.

Misc. 7: Atomiser is integrated into a removable lid or cap to thecartridge—when the PV engages with the lid/cap, the lid/cap is filledwith a small quantity of e-liquid and locks onto the PV; so when the PVis lifted up, the lid is locked into to one end. Hence, every cartridgecomes with its own atomizer.

Misc. 8: The cartridge can be packaged into a container that is the samesize as a conventional cigarette pack: this enables distribution throughexisting cigarette vending machines and point of sale systems.

Misc 9: The case is the same size as a cigarette pack: the case, or itspackaging, is the same size as a conventional cigarette pack (e.g. apack of twenty cigarettes)—e.g. this enables distribution throughexisting cigarette vending machines and point of sale systems.

Misc 10. Case includes a removable cover: Case includes a removable,e.g. a clip-on, cover or decorative panel(s) to enable a user tocustomize appearance; the main side faces of the case can be removed anda new face press-fitted into position.

Misc 11. PV includes the removable cartridge and a mechanical sealingvalve: The PV includes a removable e-liquid cartridge that slots into orattaches directly to the PV, without the need for a separate re-fill andre-charge case; a fluid transfer mechanism transfers e-liquid from thecartridge to a child reservoir in the PV; that child reservoir feedse-liquid to a separate atomising unit (i.e. the child reservoir isseparate from the atomising unit but feeds e-liquid to it via, forexample, channels or some other mechanism). The cartridge is similar instructure to the cartridge described elsewhere in this specification butis not meant for insertion into a re-fill/re-charge case. The e-liquidcartridge is an air-tight, closed unit that cannot be re-filled by auser. The filling or fluid transfer mechanism is similar too: amicro-pump in the cartridge is activated by moving the cartridgerelative to the rest of the PV to transfer e-liquid from the cartridgeto a child reservoir in the PV. The PV includes the mechanical valvedescribed above as that is lifted off its seat by when the stem ornozzle of the filling device or cartridge is introduced; this valveprevents leakage of any e-liquid during or after filling the PV childreservoir. The cartridge can remain inside or attached to the PV whilstthe PV is being vaped. The PV can include any of the other featureslisted above. The cartridge includes some form of air pressureequalisation as otherwise, when the fluid volume diminishes, a partialvacuum will develop behind the fluid retarding it's transfer. However ifa bellows type of cartridge is employed the lost volume is automaticallycompensated for. The cartridge can include any of the other featureslisted above.

Misc 12. E-liquid is transferred out of the parent reservoir using apiston or other device that decreases the internal volume of the parentreservoir: A cartridge or other form of parent reservoir storese-liquid; a plunger, piston or other means of reducing the internalvolume of the parent reservoir is activated and as the internal volumedecreases, e-liquid is forced out of a nozzle into a child reservoir inthe PV. A foil cap seals the nozzle prior to use and is penetrated by ahollow spigot or tube when the cartridge is inserted into the device forfilling a PV (the device could be a case or the PV itself).

The plunger, or piston etc could be forced forwards using a screw beingturned within a thread inside the reservoir and directly pushing theplunger or piston forward, or a rack and pinion system in which the userturns a thumbwheel as the pinion, which causes the plunger, connected tothe rack that is forced forwards as the thumbwheel is turned.

Similarly, there could be a rotary end cap, mounted on a thread externalto the reservoir; when the end cap is turned, it drives the plunger orpiston forwards.

The plunger, or piston etc could also be forced forwards using a rotarycam; rotating an end-cap causes a cam follower to push linearly forwardagainst the plunger/piston, forcing that forward.

The plunger, or piston etc could also move forward inside a tube orother device and be connected to an outer collar or other device thatsits outside of the tube and can be moved forward along a slot in thetube; as the user drags the collar forward along the slot, the plungeris also forced forwards. The outer collar could also be mounted on athread so that rotating the collar causes it to move forward along thethread, moving the plunger forward as it does so.

Alternatively, the plunger, or piston could include a magnet (e.g.formed as a collar or other device) and then another magnet (e.g. formedas an outer collar that sits outside the magnetic collar on the plunger)could move forward, forcing the magnetic collar on the plunger forward.The outer magnetic collar could be mounted on a thread, so that turningthe outer magnetic collar takes it forward along the thread and hencealso takes the internal magnetic collar and the plunger forward too,decreasing the volume of the chamber and forcing e-liquid out.

In all of the above cases, the piston or plunger moves forward. Butequally, the plunger could remain fixed, with the body of the parentreservoir moving in a direction to reduce the internal volume of theparent reservoir. This approach is especially relevant where the parentreservoir is inserted directly into the PV, and not a separatere-fill/re-charge case.

Also, the plunger or piston can force the e-liquid out of an aperture inthe parent reservoir at the end of the cartridge facing the plunger, oranywhere else as well—for example, the aperture could be in a stem ornozzle that passes through the plunger.

Misc 13. E-liquid is transferred out of a deformable parent reservoir: Acartridge or other form of parent reservoir stores e-liquid; it isconnected to a chamber, such as a bellows, whose internal volume can beincreased, sucking in e-liquid from the parent reservoir, and thendecreased, expelling e-liquid into a child reservoir in the PV. There isa one-way valve at each end of the chamber; one valve opens when theother closes. So for example, the valve at the cartridge/parent end ofthe chamber opens to fill the chamber, whilst the valve at the other endremains closed. If the chamber is compressed, then the valve at thecartridge/parent end of the chamber shuts, and the valve at the otherend opens, enabling fluid to be transferred to a child reservoir in thePV.

The chamber could be formed for example as a bellows (e.g. made ofsilicone), with folds or ridges that move apart when the chamber isexpanding and move closer together when the chamber is contracting.

The chamber could be a simple deformable tube, e.g. a rubber tube;squeezing the tube squirts e-liquid out from the chamber; allowing thetube to regain its shape causes e-liquid to be sucked into the tube fromthe parent. Again, there is a one-way valve at each end of the chamber;one valve opens when the other closes. Another variant, which removesthe need for one-way valves at each end, is a rotating pump with lobesor vanes that, as they rotate, force e-liquid through the tube.

Misc 14. Archimedes screw: A cartridge or other form of parent reservoirstores e-liquid; an Archimedes screw inside the reservoir, when turned,transfers e-liquid through the reservoir & out of a nozzle at one end tothe child reservoir in the PV.

Misc 15. Gravity feed: A cartridge or other form of parent reservoirstores e-liquid; a gravity-based fluid transfer mechanism could be usedto transfer e-liquid from the parent to a child reservoir in the PV. Airpressure equalisation can be achieved by using an air vent that allowsair to enter the reservoir as fluid leaves it, but to prevent leakage orpassage of any e-liquid. For example, the vent could have no movingparts, but instead be an air-porous material, such as a sintered polymeror metal, coated with a layer or barrier of a substance that isair-porous but not porous to e-liquid, such as an oleophobic material ora hydrophobic material. Various form factors for the cartridge/reservoirare possible, such as a concentric ring shaped to fit around the PV; aspiral tube that wraps around the PV; a serpentine or matrix tube thatwraps around the PV.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electronic cigarette vaporiser systemthat includes an electronic vaporiser, a heating element in theelectronic vaporiser and further includes an electronics module that (i)detects characteristics of the delivery of power, current or voltage tothe heating element and (ii) determines if those characteristics areassociated with degradation of the heating element, in which theelectronic vaporiser system includes (i) a user-replaceable, e-liquidcartridge, which is not user-refillable and includes no heating element;and (ii) an e-liquid reservoir that is separate from theuser-replaceable e-liquid cartridge; and (iii) an electric or electronicpump that is configured to withdraw e-liquid from the user-replaceablee-liquid cartridge and pump pressurized e-liquid to the e-liquidreservoir; and (iv) the heating element that is not in theuser-replaceable e-liquid cartridge but is instead in, or in e-liquidcommunication with, the e-liquid reservoir.
 2. The electronic vaporisersystem of claim 1 in which a characteristic that is associated withdegradation of the heating element is an increase or other change in theheating element resistance.
 3. The electronic vaporiser system of claim2 in which the heating element resistance is established by theelectronics module sending a test current through the heating elementthat is sufficient to enable a measurement of resistance to be made. 4.The electronic vaporiser system of claim 3 in which the test current isset at a level or a duration that the temperature of the heating elementis not raised to a vaping temperature of 130 degrees C.
 5. Theelectronic vaporiser system of claim 2 in which if the electronicsmodule measures a resistance of the heating element, higher than apreset threshold, then that is indicative of a degraded heating element.6. The electronic vaporiser system of claim 1 in which the electronicsmodule stores a record of the measured characteristics and determines ifthose stored records indicate fluctuations that are indicative ofdegradation of the heating element.
 7. The electronic vaporiser systemof claim 1 in which the electronics module generates a signal indicatingthat the heating element should be replaced.
 8. The electronic vaporisersystem of claim 7 in which the signal causes a visual indication to begiven on the vaporiser and/or a case into which the vaporiser is storedand/or a device that is wirelessly connected to the case.
 9. Theelectronic vaporiser system of claim 1 in which the vaporiser includes apower source and the electronics module.
 10. The electronic vaporisersystem of claim 1 in which the vaporiser is stored in a case thatincludes a power source and electronics module.
 11. The electronicvaporiser system of claim 1 in which the electronic vaporiser is ane-cigarette system.
 12. The electronic vaporiser system of claim 1 inwhich the electronic vaporiser is a medicinally approved nicotine drugdelivery system.
 13. The electronic vaporiser system of claim 1 in whichthe electronic vaporiser is the same approximate size as a cigarette.14. The electronic vaporiser system of claim 1 in which the electronicvaporiser is the same approximate size as a cigarette and includes nocontrol buttons.
 15. The electronic vaporiser system of claim 14 inwhich the electronic vaporiser is automatically activated when itdetects that it has been withdrawn from a case that otherwise stores thevaporiser.
 16. The electronic vaporiser system of claim 13 in which theelectronic vaporiser has a square or rectangular cross-section withrounded corners and includes a long PCB inserted lengthwise into thevaporiser.
 17. The electronic vaporiser system of claim 1 in which theelectronic vaporiser has a squircle cross-section.
 18. The electronicvaporiser system of claim 1 in which the electronic vaporiser is onlyre-fillable from the user-replaceable closed, e-liquid cartridge. 19.The electronic vaporiser system of claim 1 in which the electronicvaporiser that includes the heating element is refillable with e-liquidonly when inserted, whole and intact and not dis-assembled, into are-fill case that includes a fluid transfer mechanism to transfere-liquid into the vaporiser from the user-replaceable closed, e-liquidcartridge.
 20. The electronic vaporiser system of claim 1 including acase for storing the electronic vaporiser.
 21. The electronic vaporisersystem of claim 20 in which the case includes the electric or electronicpump.
 22. The electronic vaporiser system of claim 1 in which theelectronic vaporiser includes the electric or electronic pump and theuser-replaceable cartridge is removably insertable or integral to thevaporiser.